For Immediate Release

Vancouver, BC – As the Human Genome project, which determined the sequence of the human genome for the first time, celebrates its 10 year anniversary, BC scientists continue to transfer that knowledge from the lab to practical applications.

Dr. Robert Holt, Senior Scientist and Head of Sequencing, Genome Sciences Centre and Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Simon Fraser University, was the manager of the sequencing laboratories at Celera Genomics, the private research firm working on the decoding of the human genome in 2000. "Like so many things in science and engineering, what requires extraordinary effort to achieve first, later becomes quick and applied in ways you might not have imagined," says Holt. "The first split atoms, the first supersonic flight, much like decoding the human genome, initially required a huge effort and a breakthrough" says Holt. "These days however, a human genome sequence can be decoded in a few days and for a few thousand dollars. We are already in new territory."

While some people may question the value of the Human Genome Project today due to the lack of tangible medical outcomes, it is important to recognize that it takes 15 years, or more, to go from discovery science to a marketable drug. In addition, one cannot overlook the way the human genome sequence has positively impacted and expedited the way research is now done in the life sciences.

Holt notes the number of projects that have grown out of this pivotal discovery, including the research he is working on in Vancouver. "The major thrust of my own research right now is using genomics to understand the complexity of the immune system, and using this information to facilitate new vaccine strategies, including strategies for immunological cancer control." Indeed, it is not merely about finding cures but about better diagnosis, prognosis and the delivery of new therapies to combat disease that should also be considered.

Dr. Alan Winter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genome BC, a non-profit research organization that invests in and manages large-scale genomics and proteomics research projects, has seen the ripple effect the human genome project has had in BC. "If you look at research into human health, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, bioenergy, mining and the environment, you can see how genomics is altering the way we approach issues in these areas." Also celebrating its 10 year anniversary, Genome BC was formed in the same year as the Human Genome project and has currently invested over $430 million in life sciences research in BC.

"At Genome BC we've funded over 30 collaborative health projects focused on developing new genomics-enabled tools and providing the foundation for personalized medicine," he explains. Tailored to the individual, genomics-based medical technologies will enable the right treatment at the right time – saving lives and contributing to the economic sustainability of the health care system. One specific area reaping the benefits of this approach of gene examination is in the area of cancer research where Genome BC supported teams have discovered new genomic aberrations in Follicular Lymphoma (FL), a cancer of the immune system cells, some of which are already showing strong promise as predictors of disease outcome which may help guide clinical decision making benefitting FL cancer patients. Another team is applying the newest and most cutting-edge sequencing technology available in BC to develop a strategy for rapidly identifying mutations in hereditary cancers – breast, ovarian, colorectal- with the goal of developing new therapeutic strategies. In addition, this information and the application of sequencing technologies helped crack the SARS coronavirus in only seven short days – mitigating further worldwide impact.

Dr. Holt sees this trend continuing over the next decade. "We now have the sequencing horsepower to begin to find differences among the genomes of individual people. For any given drug, the response from person to person varies dramatically and is often genetically determined. There is great promise that we will be able to use a patient's genomic information to avoid ineffectual drugs, and maximize the utility of effective ones," says Holt.

About Genome British Columbia
Founded in 2000, Genome BC works collaboratively with government, universities and industry as the catalyst for a genomics-driven life sciences cluster with significant social and economic benefits for the Province and Canada. The organization's research portfolio, over $430 million since inception, includes 87 projects and technology platforms focused on areas of strategic importance to British Columbia such as human health, forestry, fisheries, bioenergy, mining, agriculture, and the environment. Genome BC programs are funded by the Provincial Government of British Columbia, Government of Canada through Genome Canada, Western Economic Diversification Canada, and other public and private partners.

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Media Contact

Rhian Walker
Genome BC, Communications Consultant
604.617.6955

Dr. Alan Winter, Genome BC
604.329.2137

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