Today, sequencing a whole genome takes approximately one day and $1000—a stark contrast to sequencing the first human genome, which took 13 years and $2.7 billion. This year, National DNA Day recognizes the 15th anniversary of the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. The initial sequencing of these three billion base pairs paved the way for countless advancements in science over the past decade and a half, allowing for a better understanding of human genetic variation and its connection to human health. Since its completion, over 1500 genome-wide association studies have identified correlations between specific genetic variants and disease risk. In the cancer realm, cancer-driving mutations in tumors can now be counteracted with treatments like Herceptin, which targets tumors with a specific genomic profile. And in the field of pharmacogenomics, researchers have discovered over 70 genes in which variants can cause humans to metabolize a drug too fast or too slow—information that has led to the personalization of some prescription drugs to the patient’s genetic makeup.
National DNA Day is organized and celebrated by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) every year on April 25th. It is day dedicated to raising public awareness of genetics, offering many opportunities to learn about the latest advances in genomic research and explore what they mean for our lives.
South Carolina has many exciting events going on this month in celebration of DNA Day, thanks to the Greenwood Genetic Center and their mobile science units. The Gene Machine is a 41-foot-long bus that accommodates whole classes on board, while the Helix Express cargo van brings genetic educational equipment straight to classrooms. The Gene Machine and the Helix Express will visit almost twenty middle and high schools across the state over the next few weeks, giving students firsthand exposure to genetic technology. The NHGRI also has web-based celebrations going on all month long. The ’15 for 15’ countdown reflects on a different advancement in the field of genetics for 15 days up until the 25th.
Find DNA Day event details all across the USA:
https://www.genome.gov/27563857/find-events
Carrie Anderson is a genetic counseling graduate student at the University of South Carolina Genetic Counseling Program. Find a genetic counselor at Palmetto Health USC Genetic Counseling or feel free to contact us at 803-545-5775 or genetics@uscmed.sc.edu. We look forward to serving you!
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4066586/
http://genomemag.com/2018/04/human-genome-project-celebrates-15th-anniversary/
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