A hundred-dollar genome
Chinese company sequenced human genome for just $100
Sergey Kolenov, Hi-tech+
The use of new technologies has made it possible to radically reduce the cost of genome decoding. This will make mass genetic screening and large-scale population studies a reality.
Since the human genome was decoded in 2003, the cost of this technology has decreased many times. Ten years ago, a complete genome sequencing procedure cost $50,000. These days it is about $600.
Researchers around the world are actively working to make the technology even cheaper. A significant breakthrough in this direction was announced by representatives of the Chinese biotech company BGI Group. Its employees were able to overcome an important psychological milestone and reduce the cost of genome sequencing to $100.
According to MIT Technology Review, BGI was founded about twenty years ago when China participated in the Human Genome project. Since then, the company has grown into a large biotech conglomerate. In 2012, BGI acquired the American startup Complete Genomics, specializing in genome decoding, for $120 million. It was this purchase that allowed the Chinese company to gain access to ultra-cheap sequencing technologies.
It also led to a conflict with the market-dominant company Illumina, whose representatives tried to challenge the deal in court as threatening the national security of the United States.
The $100 sequencing is based on the already well-known principle in which DNA is cut into a huge number of small fragments and placed on the surface of the chip. Then separate genetic "letters" are added to the mixture — nucleotides that are attached to fragments. Having determined the order of attachment of nucleotides, the computer collects this data and receives a complete map of the genome.
BGI has improved this technique by using a robotic arm and modern algorithms for image recognition. In addition, increasing the size of the chip allows you to reduce costs. The new approach is called DNBSEQ-TX.
According to the company's representatives, the new technology will allow for mass screening of oncological diseases and to study the population genetics of millions of people at a previously unattainable level.
BGI is already negotiating to supply the system to major research centers.
Some experts are dubious about the statements of colleagues from BGI. In addition, they note that there are very few scientific centers in the world right now that would need such powerful sequencing systems. However, even they admit that if the cost of decoding the genome drops to $100, it will be a real breakthrough.
Cheap sequencing methods will be useful when conducting mass DNA analysis. Such projects are being discussed in many countries. For example, in the UK, the practice of complete genome sequencing of all infants may appear.
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