First genome sequence of a S. Korean completed

By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korean researchers said Thursday they have
succeeded in deciphering the first-ever genome sequence map of a Korean, a step
that could herald the opening of a new chapter in "personalized" medical
treatment based on individual genotypes.
The researchers at the state-run Korean Bioinformation Center (KOBIC) and Gachon
University of Medicine and Science said they deciphered the entire personal
genome of Kim Seong-jin, a cancer research specialist.
South Korea is the third country in the world to complete this feat, with Kim
becoming the fourth identified person to have his genetic sequence mapped and
published, they said. Kim works for a general hospital in Incheon, west of Seoul.
The personal genome map of U.S. biologist Craig Venter was released in 2007 with
those of James Watson following in April 2008. In Asia, the DNA sequence of
Chinese scientist Yang Huanming was released last month.
In 2003, laboratories in the United States, Britain, Germany, France, Japan and
China completed the "reference genome" of the human race.
"The importance of genome sequencing lies in its potential to allow people to
enjoy longer and healthier lives," said KOBIC head Bhak Jong-hwa. "If a person
has a full picture of his or her genome, the information could be used to help
prevent diseases that their bodies are most vulnerable to."
Scientists are already aware of specific genetic sequences that may lead to
certain diseases like diabetes, cancer, alcoholic dependence and clinical
depression.
"In the future, if a person comes down with a disease, a doctor could check the
genome sequence that would allow customized treatment," Bhak said.
Ahn Sung-min, who teaches at Gachon University of Medicine and Science, said that
efforts are being made abroad to reduce the cost involved to allow more people
access to genome sequencing.
The cost could be lowered to around 1 million won (US$685) from the 250 million
needed to decipher the entire DNA of Kim, Ahn said. Time to complete mapping
could be cut down to less than an hour compared to eight months for the Korean
scientist, he added.
"If the cost and time are reduced in the next few years, more people may rush to
get their genome maps drawn that could lead to a boom in the medicare sector," he
said.
Ahn expected that while there are only four people that have full personal genome
data, the number could surge to several hundreds in 2009 and thousands in the
next few years.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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