The Challenge of the Post-Genome Era
The genome projects are generating an unprecedented amount
of information regarding the identification and structure of genes.
The comprehensive catalog of all known human genes together with
their nucleotide sequence will intensify research efforts on exploration
of gene function, both individually and collectively, at the molecular,
cellular, organismal and population levels.
With the development of new data on gene sequence, along with
emerging novel technologies, the global biomedical research enterprise
is undergoing a major paradigm shift that is revolutionizing biological
research. Hypothesis-driven science has been the historical modus
operandi for the last 200 years. However, because of the current
exponential increase in genomic data, a shift to discovery-driven
science is under way. This change will form the basis for new,
more intelligent hypotheses, which will serve as the foundation
for new, targeted treatments for many diseases. Furthermore, preventive
medicine will flourish with the identification of individual predisposition
to specific diseases and a much deeper understanding of basic
biological phenomena.
The immense quantity of data being generated is just the beginning
of this revolution. The next great challenge is now upon us: to
provide meaning to this vast catalog of information, a challenge
orders-of-magnitude more difficult than we have previously faced.
Knowing which gene networks are not functioning properly, or which
genetic variants influence disease predisposition in an organism,
contributes significantly to the ability to develop effective
clinical interventions for any particular disease.
To meet these challenges, UNC-Chapel Hill has initiated an
unprecedented phase of growth and expansion in human genetics,
molecular genetics, gene expression, developmental genetics, genome
mapping and organization, genetic epidemiology and biostatistics.
Resulting are exciting research programs and training in all aspects
of genetics, in organisms as diverse as plants, fruit flies, nematodes
(roundworm/threadworm), mice and humans. This initiative in genetics
and genomics has led to the establishment of a new department
of genetics within the UNC School of Medicine and a university-wide
center for genetics and genomics. A basic research program in
genetics and genomics within the context of a major university
such as UNC-Chapel Hill represents an exciting paradigm for bench-to-bedside
research. The research approaches being applied range from large-scale
genome sequencing to the micro-scale assaying of the metabolic
state of a single cell. However, all approaches share the theme
of integrating biology with technology and maximize the use of
computational data analysis and management.
The application of the tools of genetics/genomics will have a profound impact on scientific discovery, the delivery of health care, the legal system and on many aspects of our culture and society. As a result, these technologies and their scientific uses demand integration with the ethical, legal, social and technology transfer programs.
