Canada's Genomics advantage over the U.S.

At the Pacific Biosystems panel discussion at the AGBT conference, the participants talked about the new age of genomics, which we are in. Within the next few years, and certainly within the lifetime of school-aged children, we will be able to sequence the entire genome of individuals.

Why is this important? Diseases are controlled by pathways that involve multiple proteins, signalling molecules as well as environmental factors (such as obesity). By having the ability to sequence and analyze the entire genome of an individual, we will (in a few years) be able to look at a person at let them know they have certain risks. They will then have the ability to take preventative actions, such as drugs, but also lifestyle changes.

As an example, we know that brain diseases such as ALS, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease can start early in life (say in your 20's or 30's), but doesn't manifest itself (or get diagnosed) until you hit your 40's, 50's or higher. By understanding someone has a genetic pre-disposition to these diseases, AND by also understanding what pathways are involed for that person, we can start a treatment early in life. It may not cure or reverse the condition, however, it may delay it. So instead of showing Parkinson's-like conditions when you are 60, early intervention may delay that until you are 90 or 120...if you live that long.

Let's look at AIDS. Twenty years ago before anti-viral therapy was available, a person diagnosed with AIDS had a very short time to live. With the various cocktails of drugs now available, a new acquired AIDS patient is projected to live a full life...the difference is that we understand the mechanism of HIV infection, and we also have specific drugs to target those mechanisms, but most importantly we have the ability to Diagnose HIV and the patient at the genetic level.

So how is this Canada's advantage over the U.S.? Simply put, paranoia. The whole idea of subjecting your DNA for whole DNA sequencing and genotyping and to match that to your phenotype (ie. what symptoms you display) can be performed in a country with universal health care such as Canada. It's being performed in the U.K., and some Scandanavian countries. In the U.S., where insurance companies rule the the healthcare system, it would be very unlikely to ever happen. The fear that your DNA can be used against you in the U.S. is too strong to ever let that process begin.

In Canada, the cut in funding to Genome Canada is not simply a cut to research, but is a cut to the health and well-being of every person living here, and for our children. Canada has the ability to be leaders in bench to bedside healthcare that would save this country Trillions of dollars. In addition the technologies we develop here could then be exported around the world to improve the lives of the global population. Restore and increase Genomics funding. Our lives and the lives of our children depend on it.

Canada is a world leader in Sequencing--but not for long

The worlds most exclusive and sought-after genomics meeting was held last week in Marco Island. The pace of discovery was astounding, as whole genomes can now be sequenced using existing technology in a day. Instruments from Illumina, Roche, and Applied Biosystems are leading the way. The Keynote address was given by Eric Lander of the Broad Institute. As many of you know, Dr. Lander is one of three scientists picked to advise President Obama on Scientific Policy

How did Canada's scientist fare? Very well is the answer. On the opening day, Canadian scientists were invited to give three of the first ten talks. In addition, Tom Hudson gave the first talk in the Plenary Session on Cancer and Comparative Genomics. Two of the three Concurrent Sessions were chaired by Canadians Andre Marziali and Steven Jones, and Marco Marra was invited to give a talk in the plenary session on the final day.

As one invited speaker, Ken Dewar of McGill University, pointed out in an interview with CTV news, the organizing committee for the AGBT conference were arguing about the fact that so many Canadians were amongst the invitees to speak at this meeting. Again, this is the most prestigious Genomics meeting on the planet. This conference turned away 40% of all applicants who wanted to attend because the meeting was too full. It was the place to be for Genomics, and Canada had a huge impact.

Now I hope our Canadian Government will see fit to reverse their earlier decision to take away funding for Genome Canada, and allow Canada to prosper in the new age of genomics.