Human genomics: Implications for health

Abstract

Human genome research which tries to map and sequence all the 3 billion nucleotides in the entire DNA is progressing rapidly. Completion of the human genome sequencing is expected before the year 2005. Human genes, totalling 50,000 -100,000, will be identified, allowing the complete set of proteins - 'the proteome' to be known. This together with genomic research in other species will lead to complete understanding of life at the molecular level and also its evolutionary history of 3,500 million years. Genomics will bring about a revolution in biology and health, because it is equivalent to having a 'Biological Periodic Table' which is a foundation for understanding life, health, disease and for deriving of new tools for diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention. Human genomics will give rise to Predictive - Preventive Medicine and Precision Medicine. It will have profound social implications. Preparation for the future is needed for societies to cope with and make proper use of the tremendous changes to be brought about by genomics.