Genome Sequencing: The Alternate Cure

​By: Maria Rizwan

​​Wouldn’t it be incredible to foresee what you transpire to be? With a single segment of your DNA, its most certainly possible. We have all heard about cloning, biohacking and genetic engineering but ever have you pondered upon the science behind it? A DNA strand is the most complex yet intriguing part of your system. It encompasses the key to life and modification. A genome is the sum total of an organism’s DNA which carries one’s entire genetic history and information. A biological chest full of myriad of treasures of information, rendering potential for breakthrough discoveries, but to acclaim the gold, one must cover the journey of genome sequencing.

Whole genome sequencing is presumably the course of uncovering the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome at a single time. This sequencing process can be fathomed to be a semi-decoding route. Decoding the genome sequence, aids the comprehension of it, however a human genome is quite multifarious. Reckon the genome as a book lacking structure and legibility, merely adorned with nonsensical strands of letters. Similarly, the nitrogenous bases in our DNA, denoted by the letters: A, T, C, and G deem to be arduous with their infinite number of combinations.

This was all done manually in the past. Hours of identifying the convoluted sequence was quite draining. To find the concurrent genome and to stitch it to form a meaningful sequence, all whilst ensuring it’s investigated on the organism’s chromosomal DNA that is present in the mitochondria, was no easy task. The first successful sequence credits back to 1998, a Caenorhabditis Elegans, widely known as a Nematode worm, a precedent for the forthcoming pioneers. Soon after, a full genome sequencing was executed on a female from Netherlands.
The impressive part of genome sequencing is that, one needn’t to extract a full body sample of DNA. Almost any biological sample with slight traces of or ancient DNA, itself, can provide full access to the organism’s genetic ancestry. Samples like saliva droplets, epithelial cells, and hair strands can print out the required data.

Over the years, distinctive methods of genome sequencing came to exist. The Nematode worm was examined and sequenced utilizing a ‘whole genome shotgun’, involving the breaking of genomes to minute pieces, and reassembled into a sensible genome sequence. Another strategy scientists use is the ‘clone by clone’. Contrarily where the genome is butchered into sizable, rather than minute, pieces, and then mapped out to figure where in the genome the clone belongs to. Lastly, the mapped clones are cut into further pieces and overlapped to construct a complete genome sequence.

The discovery of genome sequencing has endowed a valuable shortcut to the medical realm, enabling scientists to locate genes more effortlessly and efficiently. Once a genome sequence is complete, further analysis conducted discloses the sequence’s functions in terms of growth, reproduction, and maintenance of the whole organism.

Dr. Jason Vassy, a medical specialist from Boston, put this theory to test in attempt to discover rare diseases on his sample size of 50 patients. In hope of discovering one such diseases, Vassy unearthed 11 rare monogenic ones. Furthermore, to his surprise, none of the patients exhibited any symptoms of their presumed genetic disease. The study additionally consolidated data about possible gene mutations and the necessitated patient care accordingly.
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Analogous tests and studies are being conducted today relevant to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, COVID-19. Immeasurable global efforts see to synthesize over billions of DNA samples. Probing through this genetic sequence will grant the scientists an idea of COVID-19’s mutating nature. Doctors trust DNA analyses can reveal the genetic mutations and variations of the virus, the catch to the pending cure. India and UAE both have ramped up their tests to collate as much as data as possible. Contemporary reports suggest that the virus has over 40 strains and 70 mutations, which awaits the sequencing process. Moreover, UAE concluded its premiering whole genome sequencing project on the 15th of May and profitably reported the genome to entail 30,000 genetic bases. Currently, the aim is to expand the testing and completely sequence the 240 samples they have in place. Researchers and scientists are working turbulently all around the world in attempts to flatten the curve and hopefully restore us fruitful health.

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Sources:
Al Arabiya English.  “Coronavirus: Dubai Says It Has Carried out Full Genome Sequencing of COVID-19.” Al Arabiya English, Al Arabiya English, 20 May 2020, english.alarabiya.net/en/coronavirus/2020/04/15/Coronavirus-Dubai-says-it-has-carried-out-full-genome-sequencing-of-COVID-19.
“GENOME SEQUENCING.” GNN - Genome News Network, www.genomenewsnetwork.org/resources/whats_a_genome/Chp2_1.shtml.
Molteni, Megan. “You Can Get Your Whole Genome Sequenced. But Should You?” Wired, Conde Nast, 26 June 2017, www.wired.com/story/you-can-get-your-whole-genome-sequenced-but-should-you/.
“Whole Genome Sequencing.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 30 May 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whole_genome_sequencing.

​About the Author

Maria Rizwan is a sophomore in UAE, passionate about STEAM and Innovation. She's particularly drawn towards Microbiology and relevant fields, hoping to learn and shed light on the basis of life and disease. You can also find her in a variety of other organizations, i.e GiWC, Steam On, Lilac, etc., involved in either Arts, Poetry or Science. If not napping, you can find her indulged in the world of arts, painting away :)