Current and Emerging Sequencing Technologies

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News 
Sequencing Alters Medical Genetics 
Vicki Glaser


"A plenary debate, entitled 'Current and Emerging Sequencing Technologies: Changing the Practice of Medical Genetics,' provoked strong and divergent opinions at the combined American Society of Human Genetics and International Congress of Human Genetics  conference. The meeting highlighted the strong emotions surrounding the role of genome sequencing in medicine today and into the future.  ---------------


--------- conference held recently in Montreal.


Han Brunner, M.D., Ph.D., a clinical geneticist and professor of human genetics at University Hospital and Radboud University, moderated the debate, which in the end generated more questions than answers, highlighting the strong opinions and emotions surrounding the role of genome sequencing in medicine today and into the future.  --------------


The panelists each had an opportunity to respond to four statements, and then to discuss and debate each others’ responses: 1) Targeted sequencing will remain the norm for diagnostic medical genetics because whole exome and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) will yield an excess of information that is useless, counterproductive, and possibly damaging to the patient. 2) Personal genome sequencing creates an unacceptable risk to the privacy of people. 3) Cytogenetics will cease to be. Sequencing is the only future technology in diagnostic labs. 4) Personal genomes will be incorporated in the standard of care for all medicine. Therefore, medical genetics will disappear as a separate medical specialty.  ----------- "


(My note:  This is a long article.  Lots of good information, but it shows that there are many views out there today on what is going on in human genetics and sequencing technology.  At least they are trying for transparency and practical roadmaps to the future.  Here is a link for you to use if you want to read more.)


http://www.genengnews.com/gen-articles/sequencing-alters-medical-genetics/3925/


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