Genome pioneer outlines a map for the future

'Post-genomic era' should be banned -- the genomic era has just started, according to Francis Collins, one of the leaders of the Human Genome Project.

Collins spoke at the first plenary session of the XIX International Congress of Genetics in Melbourne today, where he likened the next phase of the human genome project to a building, with each interconnected floor holding immediate and future applications of genomics to biology, human health and ultimately society.

Among the priorities for the near future, he noted that defining a haplotype map for the human genome was of great importance, to allow scientists to zero in on importance genes and regions of the genome.

"The goal is to have a map that can be used on any population by any investigator," Collins explained.

With the International HapMap Project well underway, Collins predicted that the major genes for many complex diseases would be found in the next five to 10 years. But new technologies as well as a significant reduction in the cost of the research were urgently needed, he said.

Collins also advocated the development of small molecule chemistry technology for use by the public sector, saying that the adoption of combi-chem approaches would enhance functional studies.

He said one aspect of the genomics era that needed attention was the issue of patenting and licensing of research with benefits to the general public, suggesting that public sector researchers take more control over the form of licenses offered for their discoveries. One possibility, he suggested, was to make diagnostic applications available only under non-exclusive arrangements.

And he said that geneticists had a real opportunity to demonstrate that there were too many degrees of separation between race and genetics to make many meaningful assumptions.

"Except in cases of extreme geographical isolation, the genetic boundaries around population groups will be blurry and imprecise," Collins said.

Despite the challenges, Collins closed with an optimistic vision of the future of genomics.

"Perhaps when we gather again in five years we can look back on this and look at what progress we've made," Collins concluded. "I think it will be spectacular."