Inventor, serial healthcare and technology entrepreneur, and Stanford University adjunct professor Ron Gutman discusses the emergence of genome sequencing as an important tool to mitigate global public health threats
I have been passionate about genetics and genomics from the moment I realized that genes are the fundamental building blocks of life itself, and that a special, hard-to-break code controls how they behave. One of the most exciting things to happen in science this century, albeit in its first year, is the first map of the human genome by Greg Venter and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It opens doors to understanding and helping to improve lives in ways previously unimaginable. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Craig Venter again in San Francisco and discussing his book Wizards II: An Adventure Unlocking the Secrets of the Marine Microbiome.
In this book, Craig details his journey around the world’s oceans conducting deep-water exploration and sequencing and discovering new marine species. Venter’s curiosity is exciting and infectious, and I admire his scientific pursuits and his pursuit to find valuable applications for his discoveries that could help millions of people live healthier, happier lives life.
Unexpected heroes in global crisis
The story of the COVID-19 pandemic also has an unexpectedly similar hero: the same genome sequencing Ventner pioneered helped us decode the virus’s DNA to understand its playbook and enable us to better respond to it. This science and technology, once the domain of niche academia, has become a key player in our response to global health emergencies. For example, the UK successfully sequenced more than 600,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomes by early 2021, providing valuable insights into virus behavior; while in Australia, scientists sequenced viral genomes within just 24 hours of receiving samples. sequencing, revolutionizing our approach to virus tracking. Now sophisticated and increasingly sophisticated laboratory procedures are critical to understanding and fighting the virus that brought the world to its knees.
laboratory revolution
Before COVID-19, the process of sequencing viral genomes was long and costly, often taking weeks and costing thousands of dollars to sequence a single genome. During the epidemic, the cost of each genome dropped to hundreds of dollars, and the time required was shortened to days or even hours. This means health authorities can track viral mutations quickly and more cost-effectively, a win in our race against the virus.
Global teamwork and its obstacles
International cooperation in genomic pathogen surveillance is critical to global health security and contributes to the early detection, surveillance, and control of infectious diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted this importance, with more than 2 million genome sequences shared through platforms such as GISAID, enabling rapid advances in diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. However, challenges such as differences in technical capabilities and hesitancy to share data due to political, economic, and privacy concerns can hinder these efforts. For example, in the early stages of COVID-19, some countries delayed the sharing of genomic data due to concerns about economic impact or stigma.
Despite these obstacles, collaborations such as the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) show the potential to succeed. However, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa highlighted the consequences of delays and failures in international data sharing. Addressing these challenges requires building trust, establishing equitable data sharing frameworks and strengthening global health infrastructure to ensure a unified and effective response to future health threats.
Facing future health threats
Genome sequencing continues to advance with breakthrough tools and new technologies as we prepare humanity to meet future health challenges. Antibiotic resistance is looming, but the convergence of artificial intelligence technology and portable sequencing devices is allowing the discovery of new antibiotics.
Imagine an artificial intelligence algorithm that could not only decipher the genetic code but also predict a virus’s next move, like a chess master planning several moves in advance. This is not science fiction. This is the reality of predictive analytics in genomics, which is already showing promise in influenza virus research.
Additionally, exciting new portable sequencing technologies are maturing and becoming available. Imagine a world where devices no larger than a smartphone like the Oxford Nanopore MinION become a standard tool for point-of-care disease surveillance in remote areas. It was a leap from laboratory analysis to field action, and it proved effective in tracking the Ebola virus in Africa.
The future of genome sequencing is fast, smart and increasingly accessible. It aims to transform data into decisions, science into solutions, and challenges into opportunities to safeguard global health and help billions of people live healthier, happier and safer lives.
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