High-Throughput Sequencing, Information Generation, and the Future of Biology (From Firepower in the Lab: Automation in the Fight Against Infectious Diseases and Terrorism, P 261-266, 2001, Tony J. Beugelsdijk, Scott P. Layne, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-193061)

• NCJ Number: 193077
• Author(s): J. Craig Venter
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Joseph Henry Press
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Research Paper
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In this chapter, the high-throughput sequencing of genomes was discussed in relation to organizing and processing all the data/information generated by sequence data to better understand the structure of genomes in human susceptibility to pathogens.

Abstract

Since the inception of the expressed sequence tag (EST) method in 1991, millions of human genetic sequences have been identified. One of the biggest challenges in understanding microbial genomes, as well as other species, is in the use of mathematical models to deal with the tens of millions of sequences and develop a complete picture of whole genomes. This paper reviewed various genome sequences, such as smallpox, influenza, malaria, and tuberculosis and the methods used to verify the pathogen genome. Microbial sequencing or the sequencing of biological warfare pathogens is seen as potentially increasing over the next few years. To understand the structure of genomes, there is the need to overlay the mouse genome on top of the human genome, as well as those of other species. However, current capabilities are seen as inadequate for this undertaking. Biology requires the development of new computational powers. Capabilities are needed to process all the data emerging from sequencing efforts in order to make progress in understanding and curing complex multigenic diseases, such as cancer. In addition, without processing capabilities, the understanding of human variability in response to infectious agents will be impossible. References