Banana Makers and Banana Eaters: Innovators and Consumers
Why Do We Need Innovators for Genome Sequencing?
By finding new ways to look at genomes and possibly rewrite them, scientists are able to prevent certain genetic disorders from spreading or can eliminate the gene/genes that are causing an issue. Since all bananas are genetically identical to one another, scientists wrote out its genome sequence in order to find and turn off the gene that made the banana susceptible to the Panama disease.
The same concept can be applied to many other issues that involve mutations or other genome-related issues. With creative thinkers using genome sequencing to solve problems, issues such as the Panama disease are much easier to resolve and scientists are able to continue more extensive studies on other genetic or common diseases.
Innovators and Consumers
For the world of genome sequencing, innovators generally consist of Biotech companies, universities, or lone scientists that have a background or interest in genetics. These same people also help to contribute in major genetic projects, such as the Human Genome Project.
Consumers of genome sequencing, however, range far and wide from the average person wanting to learn their ancestry or doctors that are trying to pinpoint a mutation in a baby. For example, after sequencing and genetically modifying the banana, companies could sell their produce to farmers suffering from the Panama disease, allowing them to restart their farms.
A Closer Look at Major Innovators in Genome Sequencing
Company:
Oxitec
Oxitec is best known for its response to the mosquito-borne illness, Zika. By sequencing the Aedes aegypti, they were able to genetically engineer sterile male mosquitoes that that could not produce viable offspring, reducing the amount of mosquitoes in a population. Genetically engineering the mosquito contributed both to the eradication of the Zika virus and the widespread use of genome sequencing.
Company:
Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
The Sanger Institute is best known for it's work to one of the biggest projects in genetics, the Human Genome Project. They also work on other projects such as the Cancer Genome Project (shown on the right) and the Zebrafish Genome Project, expanding the database of sequenced organisms.
International Team:
Global Musa Genomics Consortium
A team composed of different companies and institutes from all over the world, the Global Musa Genomics Consortium sequenced a draft of the banana genome. Although the group does not exist anymore (it was combined with a genomics group called MusaNet), scientists continue to sequence other organisms.
Scientist:
Frederick Sanger
Sanger is best known for Sanger sequencing. He discovered a way to pinpoint DNA chain ends
using the dideoxy method. The dideoxy method marks where a chain starts/ends, and scientists are able to figure out the other bases using gel electrophoresis. Scientists used the Sanger method to to see and analyze the information found in DNA, which could later be applied for future innovations.
Scientist:
Walter Gilbert
Walter Gilbert worked
with DNA sequencing, but created a different method. The Gilbert-Maxam method involved breaking
DNA into fragments and applying reagents to cleave the DNA into varying sizes, and running it through gel electrophoresis. Both scientists were given credit for new ways to quickly and efficiently sequence DNA.
​Scientist:
Leroy Hood
Leroy Hood modified Sanger's method of sequencing. The DNA is split, and only a single strand is used. The bases
are mixed with a specially modified nucleotide that ends the sequence, resulting in different fragments that could be separated. The data is transferred to film, where it is read by an autoradiograph. The data is later computer-analyzed.
University:
Stanford Genome Technology Center
The Stanford Genome Technology Center contributed to the Human Genome Project, and have helped sequence other organisms as well, such as Malaria and Chlamydia (right). They currently are developing advanced sequencing technology such as emPCR Titration and Barcode Design to make sequencing more efficient.
University:
Washington University School of Medicine Genome Sequencing Center
WU's Genome Sequencing Center was a contributor to the Human Genome Project. They currently study human and other mammalian genetics, and participate in projects such as the 1,000 Genomes Project, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. They have sequenced genomes from primates, microorganisms, vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants.