Human genome sequencing becoming affordable: Expert

VARANASI : The pathbreaking Human Genome Project, which initially cost US$ 2.7 billion (Rs 2 trillion), will soon enable sequencing the entire human genome for just 100 US$ (8 thousand rupees), significantly enhancing our understanding of human genetics, said Professor Qasim Ayub, the director of genomics at Monash University Malaysia. He made these remarks during the inaugural session of the 7-day international workshop organised by the department of zoology, Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

“The Human Genome Project initially incurred a cost of US$2.7 billion. By 2007, sequencing the complete genome sequence of an individual human amounted to 100 million US$ (8 billion rupees). However, just a decade later, the cost was reduced to US$1000,” said Prof Ayub. He also emphasised that soon, the process will cost only 100 US$ (8 thousand rupees), marking a remarkable advancement in affordability and accessibility.

Furthermore, Professor Ayub’s contributions extend to projects like the 1000 Genome Project and the Gorilla Genome Project.

He underlined the foundation of genetics on the principles of inheritance, dating back 150 years, and the groundbreaking elucidation of DNA’s structure by Watson and Crick in 1953. These milestones paved the way for the current revolution in genetic research.

Dr Vipin Singh, a scientist from Chandigarh, conducted sessions on data analysis using R programming during the workshop. Professor AK Singh, acting head of the department of zoology, highlighted the department’s role in hosting this international workshop under the Accelerate Science Project of the government of India. Out of 208 entries from across the country, 25 researchers from 6 states were selected to participate. Present at the event were workshop coordinators, Prof Gyaneshwer Chaubey, Prof Madhu Tapadia, Dr Sameer Gupta, Dr Rahul Mishra, Dr Prajjwal Pratap Singh, alongside researchers from various states.