Genetics Forecast from Francis Collins

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of New Scientist, Francis Collins, co-discoverer of the structure of DNA one of the leaders of the sequencing of the human genome*, joined in predicting the next 50 years of our genetic future. Here are his key predictions:

1. Bring the price of sequencing individual genomes to $1000 or less
2. Understand genetic and environment interactions
3. Personalized medicine is the way to go
4. Reprogram the processes leading to aging and cancer

Pretty tall order but perhaps achievable in the next 50 years. My predictions are a tad more practical.

1. Taking into account how people react to specific drugs in light of their genetic make-up, e.g., the cytochrome P450*2D6 gene.
2. Popular use of direct-to-consumer DNA testing whether justified or not.
3. The development of a range of drugs that target specific genetic mutations to achieve higher efficacy and fewer side effects.

What’s your big genetics prediction for the next 50 years?

Update: Here are some predictions from My Biotech Life.

*Thanks to Rebecca Taylor and Matt from Cornell for pointing out that I got Francis Crick and Francis Collins mixed up. I was wondering why Francis Collins said in his predictions essay that he would only be 106 in 50 years. D’oh (I shan’t point fingers but I’ll just say that blogging and four-year-old crazy don’t mix. )

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