The National Health Service (NHS) in England has launched a new DNA project designed to sequence 100,000 genes in an effort to fight cancer and other diseases.
Genomes are complete sets of genes, and comparing maps developed of the genomes to known diseases could transform the way patients receive treatments for a wide variety of conditions. It may even be possible, one day, to customize treatments based on the genetic makeup of individual patients. New diagnostic tests could also be developed from research gained by the 100,000 Genome Project, as well as improved diagnostic techniques. Risk factors from inherited diseases would be much easier to identify once researchers are able to study data collected by the project.
"This is an achievable ambition which positions Britain to unlock longstanding mysteries of disease on behalf of humankind. Embracing genomics will position us at the forefront of science and make the NHS the most scientifically advanced healthcare system in the world," Sir Bruce Keogh, national medical director at NHS England, said.
Around 75,000 people are expected to participate in the new study, a fraction of which experienced, or are currently suffering from, dangerous or even life-threatening diseases. Volunteers will be introduced to the program on February 2, 2015.
Biotechnology company Illumina will receive and sequence the samples, and will analyze the data they collect. Following their study, the organization will send their findings to the NHS for confirmation and public action.
"Our understanding of genomics is transforming the landscape for disease diagnosis and medicines research. We want to make the UK the best place in the world to design and discover 21st century medicines which is why we have invested in the 100,000 Genomes Project," George Freeman, life sciences minister, stated in a NHS announcement of the new centers.
The 100,000 Genomes Project was announced by Prime Minister David Cameron earlier in 2014, designed to investigate genetic connections to specific conditions.
The NHS also announced 11 new Genomics Medicine Centers, designed to lend to the effort to battle cancer and a host of rare diseases.
"One of the great surprises from the Human Genome Project was that there were only about 20,000 genes that were known to do things - about the same number as a starfish. The role of the remainder of a human's genome - in fact a staggering 95 percent of it - was a mystery," Genomics England, which manages the 100,000 Genomes Project, said.
Genetic research previously showed breast cancer is not one, but 10, different diseases, each requiring various treatments.
The project is expected to be completed in three years, according to current projections. Identifying information will be stripped from genome samples, in order to protect patient privacy.
