The Festival of Genomics and Biodata the UK's largest genomics event, with more than 7,000 attendees is a great place for the global genomics community to meet.
Researchers from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, were present, including Professor Paul Workman, Professor Clare Turnbulland Dr Anguraj Sadanandam, who gave talks at the conference that ran from 25-28 January 2022.
Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for NHS England, delivered the introductory keynote and explained how NHS England plans to keep up the momentum in genomics.
As she described, the UK holds a world-leading position in genomics, having been heavily involved in the Human Genome Project in the early 2000s and committed to sequencing 100,000 whole human genomes from patients with rare diseases and common cancers back in 2012.
Fast-forward to today and the NHS has launched the NHS Genomic Medicine Serviceand a world-first whole genome sequencing service, hoping to become the first national health care system to offer whole genome sequencing as part of routine care.
Next, the NHS and Genomics England will focus on the Cancer 2.0 initiative a proof of concept to explore the use of long-read sequencing (LRS) technology in cancer.
Our genome is too long to be sequenced in one go. Scientists often use short-read sequencing technology, where short fragments of DNA are sequenced separately and then pieced together. Long-read sequencing enables faster sequencing of longer fragments.
The hope is that the Cancer 2.0 project will introduce new technologies like this to support earlier, faster diagnosis cutting waiting times from weeks to days in some cases.
Another priority for Genomics England is diversity in genomic data. In the next few years, they hope to enrich their genomic datasets, sequencing cohorts of diverse backgrounds.
The ICRs Professor Paul Workman, Harrap Professor of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, delivered another of the opening keynote speeches, focusing on 'drugging' the cancer genome.
It has been 21 years since the human genome was first sequenced and released, and that has had an enormous impact of cancer drug discovery and development, he said.
New understanding of cancer genomes helps researchers identify new targets for drug development, and even repurpose drugs that already exist. So, putting it simply, using our knowledge of genomics increases the probability of drug development success.
This is hugely important, since the cost of drug discovery and development is prohibitive it costs around 2.6 billion dollars for a drug to come to the market and reach patients. This means that any help to pinpoint drug candidates as accurately as possible is desirable.
Despite all the investment in cancer research and discovering new cancer drugs, oncology has one of the lowest approval rates, at around 5 per cent and it takes an average of 10.5 years for a cancer drug to go from phase I trials to regulatory approval. There are many reasons for this delay from patent to patient highlighted in our Drug access report, which shows its particularly hard for innovative drugs to get rapid approval.
But using genetics across the drug development pipeline to validate targets and find biomarkers, for example is one of the first steps to help drug discovery efforts and re-purposing opportunities, ultimately benefiting patients.
Professor Workman also highlighted the important role of chemical probes in biomedical research and drug discovery. More publications come out when a chemical probe is identified, he said. Chemical probes are key to understanding a proteins role in biology and disease, which helps scientists in drug target validation and discovery.
There is a long way to go when it comes to drug development, and collaboration is key, explained Professor Workman:
Only around 9 per cent of patients actually have molecular targets that allow them to benefit from personalised medicine. For at least 90 per cent of patients, despite their genome sequence being available, there isnt currently a drug that works for them.
It takes a village. It takes basic research, universities, research institutes, pharma, biotech, regulators working together to do this better.
Professor Clare Turnbull spoke about genomics for early detection and prevention of cancer focusing on breast cancer as an example.
The field of genomics helps us understand and estimate peoples risk of developing cancer, which in turn helps us detect the disease as early as possible, or even prevent it. But cancer susceptibility genomics is complex, and researchers are still working out how to use their knowledge in the clinic.
There are specific inherited gene changes, also known as variants, which significantly increase cancer risk on their own such as variants of the BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2 genes. However, for most people, their genetic predisposition to cancer comes from the combined risk of many different variants. To understand this risk, scientists use so-called polygenic risk scores, which provide a snapshot of an individuals genetic risk.
So what can we do if we know certain people are at increased risk of certain cancers? Firstly, risk varies across tumour subtypes, and interventions vary in efficacy depending on the tumour subtype too. But by using their understanding of susceptibility genes and risk, clinicians can attempt to detect disease sooner thanks to screening programmes, or even prevent it using measures such as surgical prevention, chemoprevention or even behavioural changes.
One of Professor Turnbulls projects, BRCA-DIRECT, is exploring the usefulness of a digital platform to deliver genetic susceptibility testing, aiming to extend genetic testing to all women with breast cancer.
Aside from all the knowledge we can gain from genetic and genomic data, there are whole different sets of data and knowledge that can be used to power personalised medicine. Multi-omics also involves data ranging from proteomics, which focuses on proteins, to metabolomics, which involves the analysis of metabolism by-products.
Dr Anguraj Sadanandam talked about multi-omics data and how, with the help of AI and machine learning, we can make sense of the breadth of data available. By combining and integrating the data using these powerful technologies, we can understand whole systems we can obtain a much fuller picture of what goes wrong in cancer.
One of the machine learning tools that Dr Sadanandam uses in his lab is PhenMap, which helps to identify cancer subtypes and biomarkers by integrating different multi-omics data sets. He has been using PhenMap to reimagine clinical diagnoses of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours helping define new subtypes of the disease and stratify for potential treatment opportunities.
We have come a long way since the inception of the Human Genome Project, launched more than two decades ago. From machine learning tools to drug development and susceptibility genes, there is no doubt that genomic research is delivering on promises we have been hearing about for a while but there is still a lot to accomplish.
As the curtain was drawn on the Festivals sixth year, George Freeman MP, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation, thanked all the attendees for a great week, assuring the audience that this is only the beginning: We are in the foothills of what, I think, is the most exciting revolution in healthcare.
View original post here:
Science Talk - Sequencing, drugging and interpreting genomes: Where is genomics going next? - The Institute of Cancer Research, London - The Institute...
- Ancient viruses in the human genome linked to mental health conditions - New Scientist - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Bone-marrow-homing lipid nanoparticles for genome editing in diseased and malignant haematopoietic stem cells - Nature.com - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Study finds gene variants tied to breast cancer risk in Black women - STAT - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Active transcription and epigenetic reactions synergistically regulate meso-scale genomic organization - Nature.com - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- The Human Pangenome: A Step Towards More Inclusive Genomic Medicine - Foley & Lardner LLP - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Genome-wide identification and analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related RNA-binding proteins and ... - Nature.com - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- AI and CRISPR: Revolutionizing Genome Editing and Precision Medicine - MarkTechPost - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- This AI Paper Introduces Evo: A Genomic Foundation Model that Enables Prediction and Generation Tasks from the Molecular to Genome-Scale -... - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Inocras and IMBdx Announce Strategic Partnership to Transform Cancer Patient Care in the U.S. - Morningstar - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Two Notes Genome review could this no-nonsense guitar plugin be all you need? - Guitar.com - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Research improves multiplex mutagenesis to increase experimental efficiency in plant genome editing - Phys.org - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Next Gen Diagnostics and Vanderbilt Report the Use of Whole Genome Sequencing to Detect Transmission of Infection ... - Newswire - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space (GEARS) Completes Mission Operations - Astrobiology - Astrobiology News - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- Genome Editing Market size is set to grow by USD 7.23 billion from 2024-2028, Rapid technological advancements in ... - PR Newswire - May 23rd, 2024 [May 23rd, 2024]
- The complete plastome sequences of invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus: genome organization, evolutionary ... - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- Multi-omic profiling reveals associations between the gut microbiome, host genome and transcriptome in patients with ... - Journal of Translational... - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - National Human Genome Research Institute - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- Genomic Time Machine Reveals Secrets of Human DNA - SciTechDaily - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- 1 Million Unannotated Exons Discovered in the Human Genome - Technology Networks - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- Hope for the night parrot: bird's full genome has been sequenced - Cosmos - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- RevIT AAV Enhancer: Rev-up AAV genome production in upstream manufacturing - BioProcess Insider - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- Multi-omics resources for the Australian southern stuttering frog (Mixophyes australis) reveal assorted antimicrobial ... - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- Large-scale gene expression alterations introduced by structural variation drive morphotype diversification in Brassica ... - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- Near-gapless and haplotype-resolved apple genomes provide insights into the genetic basis of rootstock-induced ... - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- Secrets of Night Parrot unlocked after first genome sequenced - CSIRO - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- CRISPR gene editing tool gets a revolutionary high-tech upgrade - Earth.com - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- Ancient retroviruses played a key role in the evolution of vertebrate brains - EurekAlert - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- Natural selection and genetic diversity maintenance in a parasitic wasp during continuous biological control application - Nature.com - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- Hopes elusive parrots genome will provide answers - news.com.au - February 18th, 2024 [February 18th, 2024]
- MicroRNA is the master regulator of the genome researchers are learning how to treat disease by harnessing the ... - The Conversation - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- "Ground-Breaking" Release of World's Largest Whole Genome Resource - Inside Precision Medicine - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Pangenome analysis reveals genomic variations associated with domestication traits in broomcorn millet - Nature.com - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Global genetic diversity, introgression, and evolutionary adaptation of indicine cattle revealed by whole genome ... - Nature.com - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Genome characteristics of atypical porcine pestivirus from abortion cases in Shandong Province, China - Virology Journal - Virology Journal - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Correcting modification-mediated errors in nanopore sequencing by nucleotide demodification and reference-based ... - Nature.com - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- CRISPR-Based "Genome Shredding" Technique Shows Promise in Treating Glioblastoma - Inside Precision Medicine - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Genome wide analysis revealed conserved domains involved in the effector discrimination of bacterial type VI secretion ... - Nature.com - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- TRISH to investigate the effects of spaceflight on the human genome, central nervous system - Odessa American - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- The venom preceded the stinger: Genomic studies shed light on the origins of bee venom - EurekAlert - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Integrating genomic and multiomic data for Angelica sinensis provides insights into the evolution and biosynthesis of ... - Nature.com - November 30th, 2023 [November 30th, 2023]
- Genetic diversity and ancestry of the Khmuic-speaking ethnic groups ... - Nature.com - September 21st, 2023 [September 21st, 2023]
- Researchers to Apply Genome Analysis to Childhood Cancers; Goal ... - The Japan News - September 21st, 2023 [September 21st, 2023]
- How Bats' Genomes May Help Them Avoid Cancer and Survive ... - Technology Networks - September 21st, 2023 [September 21st, 2023]
- Longitudinal genomic surveillance of carriage and transmission of ... - Nature.com - September 21st, 2023 [September 21st, 2023]
- Whole genomes from bacteria collected at diagnostic units around ... - Nature.com - September 21st, 2023 [September 21st, 2023]
- Genome-wide identification of lncRNA & mRNA for T2DM | PGPM - Dove Medical Press - September 21st, 2023 [September 21st, 2023]
- Tasmanian tiger RNA is first to be recovered from an extinct animal - Nature.com - September 21st, 2023 [September 21st, 2023]
- Loneliness and depression: bidirectional mendelian randomization ... - Nature.com - September 21st, 2023 [September 21st, 2023]
- Rome Therapeutics adds $72 million to Series B round to harness ... - OutSourcing-Pharma.com - September 21st, 2023 [September 21st, 2023]
- Mystery of 'living fossil' tree frozen in time for 66 million years finally ... - Livescience.com - September 21st, 2023 [September 21st, 2023]
- Why the human genome could be healthcares holy grail - Yahoo Finance - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Scientists Compare Genomes of 240 Mammals to Understand Human DNA - The New York Times - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Genomes From 240 Mammalian Species Help Explain 100 Years Of Evolution And Human Disease - ABP Live - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- 'Deletions' from the human genome may be what made us human - Yale News - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- GeneDx Adds Buccal Swab as Non-Invasive Whole Genome ... - GlobeNewswire - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Whole-genome sequencing used to track down genes behind familial glioma - Medical Xpress - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Wiggly proteins guard the genome: Dynamic network in the pores of ... - Science Daily - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Genome-Wide Splicing Quantitative Expression Locus Analysis ... - Cancer Discovery - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Digital Genome Market is expand at a CAGR of 8.6% to reach USD ... - Digital Journal - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- High School Students Learn the Basics of Base Editing to Cure GFP ... - University of California San Diego - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Genomic researchers gain access to CSIRO's AI-powered data ... - Microsoft - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Archaic hominin traits through the splicing lens - Nature.com - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Critical bug in genome sequencing device scores '10' on CVSS ratings - SC Media - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Novel Genomic Approach Ensures Better Diagnosis of Hereditary ... - Technology Networks - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Intellia Therapeutics: Leading the Way in Revolutionary Genome ... - Best Stocks - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Visual tracking of viral infection dynamics reveals the synergistic ... - Nature.com - May 4th, 2023 [May 4th, 2023]
- Genome | Genome LLC | United States - March 31st, 2023 [March 31st, 2023]
- Belarus: EU and WHO deliver equipment for research of genomes of infectious disease agents - EIN News - February 24th, 2023 [February 24th, 2023]
- Gene vs. genome: Definition, function, and impact - January 30th, 2023 [January 30th, 2023]
- Big cog in the wheel: As Covid worries reappear, Insacogs genome sequencing ability must be aided by govts - Times of India - December 25th, 2022 [December 25th, 2022]
- CapitalGainsReport Sector Spotlight: Healthcare Penny Stocks On The Move (ARDX, WHSI, BNGO) - Marketscreener.com - November 25th, 2022 [November 25th, 2022]
- Genome Insight and Kun-hee Lee Child Cancer & Rare Disease Project Team of SNUH (Seoul National University Hospital) Made an Agreement About a... - November 23rd, 2022 [November 23rd, 2022]
- Genome-wide association study reveals distinct genetic associations related to leaf hair density in two lineages of wheat-wild relative Aegilops... - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- The Global Genomics Market to Exhibit Growth at a CAGR of 16.90% During the Forecast Period (20222027) | DelveInsight - Yahoo Finance - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Illumina and GenoScreen Partner to Expand Access to Genomic Testing for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis - PR Newswire - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Superresolution Method Poised to Better Gene Function Understanding - Photonics.com - October 19th, 2022 [October 19th, 2022]
- Genome-centric analysis of short and long read metagenomes reveals uncharacterized microbiome diversity in Southeast Asians - Nature.com - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- How a New Battery Data Genome Project Will Use Vast Amounts of Information to Build Better EVs - InsideClimate News - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- Scientists Reconstruct the Genome of the 180-Million-Year-Old Common Ancestor of All Mammals - SciTechDaily - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]
- Combining OSMAC, metabolomic and genomic methods for the production and annotation of halogenated azaphilones and ilicicolins in termite symbiotic... - October 15th, 2022 [October 15th, 2022]