This week’s publication of the genome of a Korean individual in Genome Research marks the fifth individual whole genome sequenced with massively parallel sequencing platforms. The fact that this was not a Nature paper speaks as loudly as anything. The window of time when single whole genome sequences merit high-profile publications is slowly closing.
It’s an increasing indication of the commoditization of genomics technologies which will mean a plethora of individual genomes, which will make the genome itself less interesting, but rather the characteristics and analysis the core component of any publication. Dan’s probably right that after the 1000 genome project, whole genome sequencing papers won’t excite people that much, but rather a focus on disease related efforts will rule. I know quite a few people who can’t wait for us to stop collecting and start analyzing. The day isn’t too far away.
When Whole Genome Sequencing becomes passe
In a recent blog post at MassGenomics talking about the recently published sequence of a Korean individual, Dan Koboldt makes an interesting observation. He notes
It’s an increasing indication of the commoditization of genomics technologies which will mean a plethora of individual genomes, which will make the genome itself less interesting, but rather the characteristics and analysis the core component of any publication. Dan’s probably right that after the 1000 genome project, whole genome sequencing papers won’t excite people that much, but rather a focus on disease related efforts will rule. I know quite a few people who can’t wait for us to stop collecting and start analyzing. The day isn’t too far away.