The study of genomes’ structure, mapping, evolution, function, and editing is the focus of the interdisciplinary field of biology known as genomics. Genomic research strives to understand the structure and function of these sequences as well as the ensuing biological products by examining all or a portion of an organism’s genetic or epigenetic information.
The study of genomics in health focuses on the molecular processes that underlie disease, as well as the interactions between these medical therapies, biological data, and environmental factors.
Genomic science tries to characterize and quantify all of an organism’s genes, their interactions, and influences on the organism as a whole, as opposed to genetics, which studies specific genes and their functions in inheritance. Enzymes and messenger molecules can work with genes to direct the creation of proteins. Proteins, build up bodily tissues, in turn, and organs, regulate chemical processes, and transmit messages between cells.
Using high-throughput DNA sequencing and bioinformatics, genomics also entails the assembly and study of whole genomes to determine their structure and function. Advances in genomics have revolutionized systems biology and discovery-based research, making it simpler to understand even the most complex biological systems, such as the brain.
This topic also includes research on the interactions between loci and alleles inside the genome, such as epistasis (the effect of one gene on another), pleiotropy (the effect of one gene on many features), heterosis (hybrid vigor), and other intragenomic phenomena.
Why is Genomics Used?
Medicine, anthropology, biotechnology, and other social sciences all use human genetics in diverse ways. Next-generation genomic technology allows for the collection of more genetic data for medicinal use. By doing this, scientists are better able to understand diseases with a genetic basis and how different treatments affect patients, which helps in the quest for customized therapy.
As technology progresses and makes it easier to store, comprehend, and use data, more healthcare professionals will use this information to diagnose and treat patients as well as offer clinical decision support. Integrating genomics capabilities into the electronic health record (EHR) systems used by doctors has been the goal of various pilot projects.
What Possibilities Does Genomics Have For Public Health?
Human genomics research and associated biotechnologies have the potential to contribute to several public health objectives, including the reduction of global health disparities by giving developing nations reliable, effective, and diagnosing, affordable means of preventing and treating the most common diseases that affect their populations.
The whole future role of genomics in the delivery of healthcare is not yet evident because it is a relatively new and quickly developing field of study. It does, however, present a long-term opportunity for developing fresh strategies for the management and prevention of numerous incurable diseases.
How Do Genomics And Global Inequality Connect?
Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionately big share of the burden of sickness and other health challenges globally, although the majority of new treatment alternatives are primarily accessible in wealthier countries.
This disparity in global health has an impact on genomics, as there is currently a wide gap that is preventing the advancement of genetic sciences in low- and middle-income nations. Worldwide disparities in the accessibility, efficacy, and application of genetic technology, genomic research, and the delivery of genomic services are growing for a variety of reasons.
Lack of funding is one of them, as is a lack of infrastructure and services for health care, or simply the existence of more urgent health concerns, as in the case of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and TB.
Technologies based on genomes can help to increase global health equity. To do this, it is necessary to manage and ultimately close the genomic health divide through equitable economic investment, the global provision of genomic services, and clinical research, technology, and their application. The Human Genetics Program (HGN) gives WHO Member States a firm grasp of the possibilities and difficulties in genomics that are pertinent to the accomplishment of their public health objectives.
Types of Genomics
The fields of structural genomics and functional genomics make up the field of genomics.
Structural Genomics
The complete genome of a living creature is studied in its structure. In other words, it deals with the study of the genetic organization of each chromosome in the genome. It determines the total number of genes in a species’ genome as well as the genome’s size in mega-bases [Mb].
Functional Genomics
The study of how each gene in the entire genome functions is known as functional genomics. The term “proteome” refers to the entire set of proteins encoded by a genome and “transcriptome” refers to the entire collection of RNAs produced from a genome.
Genomic Classification
Plant, animal, eukaryotic, and prokaryotic genomics are the several subcategories of genomics.
Genomic Analysis of Plants
It centers on the analysis of the structure and function of the genomes of all plant species.
Genomic Analysis of Animals
It focuses on the study of the structure and functionality of the entire genome of an animal species.
Molecular Biology of Eukaryotes
It examines the structure and function of the whole genome of higher [multicellular] organisms.
Bacterial Genomics
It focuses on examining the structure and functionality of unicellular organisms’ whole genomes.
The Role Of Genomics In Crop Improvement
Crop improvement can benefit from several real-world applications of genomics. There are several uses for genome mapping. It provides information on subjects including gene number, marker-assisted selection, transgenic breeding, QTL mapping, genome size, linkage map construction, gene mapping, gene sequencing, and crop plant evolution.
Genome Size
Genome mapping is a very helpful method for figuring out how big the genomes of different plant species are. According to reports, maize (2500 Mb) has the largest genome size among the plant species that have so far been studied, and Arabidopsis thaliana has the lowest (120 Mb).
Gene Sequencing
The position of genes on chromosomes can be determined with the aid of genome mapping. Every chromosome in a genome has genes that are arranged in a specific order.
Evolution
Genome mapping offers details on how various species have evolved. It quantifies the relationship between various genomes and offers details on the evolutionary biology or relatedness of agricultural plants.
Gene Number
Genome mapping reveals the number of genes present in a species. The rice plant has been claimed to have the most genes of any crop plant so far investigated (56,000).
Gene Mapping
Gene mapping and chromosome tagging are both very useful outcomes of genomic research. To put it another way, it facilitates the widespread finding of novel genes inside a genome.
Transgenic Breeding
Gene cloning benefits from genome mapping. It is possible to clone the desired gene and use it to create transgenic plants (genetically engineered plants). Direct gene transfer is possible by transgenic breeding, avoiding the sexual process.
Linkage map construction
Linkage group creation is aided by genome mapping. Gene mapping and gene sequencing data can be used to create the linkage groupings.
DNA Marker Identification
The genome mapping techniques help locate DNA markers that can be employed in the marker-assisted selection, a type of molecular breeding. Compared to mapping populations produced from intra-specific crosses, those developed from inter-specific crosses exhibit higher DNA marker polymorphism.
QTL Mapping
The mapping of quantitative trait loci is a common application of genome mapping tools (QTL). Conventional approaches, such as recombination mapping and deletion mapping procedures, cannot map QTL or polygenic characteristics.
Limitations of Genomics
The mapping of crop plants’ genomes is becoming more and more significant these days. However, there are some drawbacks to genome mapping, including its high cost, lack of appropriate markers, lengthy nature, high technical difficulty, and availability of few genes.
Costly Technique
Genomic research requires a high-tech lab with expensive chemicals and glassware. Because of this, conducting genomic research requires a lot of funding. Insufficient funding can occasionally become a limiting factor in the development of such a project.
Restricted Number of Genes
Firstly, a restricted number of genes and promoters are available for the generation of transgenic. Second, no transgenic plants may be produced utilizing these genes since they are protected by intellectual property rights.
Excellent Technical Skills
High technical skill is required for the genome mapping work. It necessitates that scientists have training in the particular area of genetics. Also, it necessitates international cooperation with other top genome research institutions, which might occasionally prove to be a constraining issue. If the crop on which the genomic study will be done has worldwide significance, then international collaboration is feasible.
Exhausting Work
The genome mapping process necessitates the tedious and time-consuming task of detecting numerous DNA markers (SSR, AFLP, RAPD, RFL, etc.). For these goals, screening of large populations associated with F2, RILs, NILs, and doubled haploids is required. This is the state of affairs.
Future Directions for Genomics
The mapping and sequencing of many crop plants’ genomes have been extensively studied to date. In the future, for speedy progress of genome sequencing work, various points need attention. Funding, material exchange, education, research agendas, species selection, critical characteristics, etc. are all significant factors.
Funding
Genome mapping initiatives require international cooperation to be supported because they are quite expensive.
Sharing of Materials
For use in other research facilities’ work and future studies, the top laboratories should create and distribute framework DNA markers.
Key Characteristics
Economically significant traits including productivity, quality, and resilience to biotic and abiotic stressors need to be prioritized in genome mapping. The knowledge gathered through the genomic mapping of one species may be beneficial for research on closely related species.
Training
Several labs have the necessary tools for genomic research. These laboratories should train scientists from different nations to develop their human resources for genetic research.
Priorities for Research
It is important to identify topics of global significance or shared interest in genetic research to foster international collaboration.
