The Genome Book
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November 9th, 2009
The low-cost genome — a race to nowhere?
Two headlines regarding genetics hit the wires recently, and together, spoke volumes.
In one, gene sequencing firm Complete Genomics announced that it had sequenced a whole human genome for $1,700 — a significant turn in the race to deliver an affordable, high-quality readout of a person’s entire DNA sequence.
In the other, members of a family known to carry a hereditary form of colon cancer discuss getting a genetic test — and some say they’d rather not know. “If it came back positive,” said one, “I think I would feel like it would be some kind of countdown.’’
People in the genetics world know that genetic information can provide valuable health insights now, and that many more will be found. To them, the idea of a full genome analysis is fascinating.
But out there in non-genetics land, others aren’t so sure. Many people continue to believe that DNA determines one’s fate, despite all the evidence to the contrary. For most of us, genetics is only one of several important factor in our health. But in the realm of ideas, the messages of Gattaca still hold sway.
That dictomy is what makes genetics so fascinating, and so difficult to bring to everyday life. The prospect of personal genetic knowledge hits people at a deeply personal, emotional level, raising issues of identity, free will, and one’s hopes for the future. Many people aren’t sure they want to throw a DNA readout into that mix.
In an excellent commentary last week, Hank Greely, an expert in the legal and social issues surrounding genetics, pointed out all the ways that we’re not ready to handle genetic knowledge. I’d take it one step further — I’m not sure many people are ready even to discover their genetic makeup, let alone figure out how to handle the information once they have it.
When the low-cost genome race is won, it won’t ultimately be genomes that are sequenced, but people. Without more accounting for the human factor, that fact may leave those in the sequencing competition wondering where to go after they’ve crossed the finish line.
Some answers to this dilemma are out there, in the communities of people who’ve already made important decisions based on genetic information. We’ll talk more about some of those solutions in upcoming posts.
Categories: Chapter 2: Reading Your Genes, Chapter 5: Your Genes and Cancer, Chapter 8: Your Genetic Privacy, Chapter 9: Your Genes -- What's Next, Uncategorized
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