Life Sciences, Genomics
and Biotechnology for Health: Charting new medical waters
The breakthrough sequencing of the
human genome has opened up a wealth of potential medical possibilities.
However, scientists are still only at the tip of the genetic
iceberg. To keep Europe at the cutting edge of this pioneering
new field, the European Commission has made integrated ‘post-genomic’
research a top priority in its Sixth Framework Programme (FP6).
It took scientists using the latest state-of-the-art
technology just a decade to sequence the more than 3 billion
nucleotide ‘letters’ – our bodies’
most basic building blocks – which make up the human
DNA macromolecule. Since that revolutionary achievement at
the end of 2000, scientists have turned their attention to
using this genetic ‘blueprint’ to devise new medical
advances.
Researchers hope that the extensive data we now possess about
our genetic makeup will help them glean a better understanding
of how our bodies work and shed light on the nature of certain
major diseases. This, they hope, will help improve public
health and, one day, lead to the discovery of effective ways
of combating diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s
and other serious illnesses.
‘Post-genomic’ detective
work
Now that the complete genome has been decoded, scientists
across Europe are turning to the long and complex task of
meticulously studying particular sequences. This is the emerging
‘post-genomic’ approach.
Post-genomics has already overturned some accepted ideas and
provided unexpected insights into the fundamental mechanisms
of life. We now know that, like humble yeast, a mere 30000
genes, not hundreds of millions as was once thought, govern
our bodies.
This has led scientists to the conclusion that identifying
genes is only the tip of the iceberg. The real key lies in
the incredible way that the hundreds of thousands of proteins
in our bodies are manufactured, giving birth to the new spin-off
science of ‘proteomics’.
Top priority
The international collaboration that made the genome-sequencing
project possible highlighted the importance of trans-national
research, particularly in areas of advanced science. One key
focus of FP6 is the integration of research capacities across
Europe for optimum results. This involves setting up effective
communications and co-ordination between research bodies and
enhancing the co-operation between public and private research
facilities.
FP6 has set aside over €2 billion to assist in this massive
scientific endeavour with the aim of improving public health
and making Europe a global leader in the biotech industry
– a vital pillar of the knowledge-based economy.
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