The Korea Times close
National
  • Politics
  • Diplomacy
  • Defense
  • Labor & Environment
  • Law & Crime
  • Health & Welfare
  • Embassy
  • Seoul & Provinces
  • Education
  • Foreign Communities
  • Obituaries
  • Multicultural Youth Award
Biz & Tech
  • Auto
  • IT
  • Game
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail & Food
  • Energy
  • Construction
  • Airlines
Finance
  • Policies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Banks
  • Non-banks
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
Lifestyle
  • Arts
  • Books
  • Travel & Cuisine
  • Trend
  • Fashion
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
  • Translation Award
Entertainment
  • K-pop
  • K-dramas & Shows
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Performances
  • Asia Model Festival
Sports
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Baseball
  • Other Sports
World
  • Asia Pacific
  • Americas
  • Europe & Africa
  • SCMP
Video
  • On the Spot
  • Feature
  • News
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
Community
  • The Korea Times
  • all menu
  • search
  • facebookfacebook
  • twittertwitter
  • youtubeyoutube
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
  • The Korea Times
  • all menu
  • search
  • facebookfacebook
  • twittertwitter
  • youtubeyoutube
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
Biz & Tech
  • Auto
  • IT
  • Game
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail & Food
  • Energy
  • Construction
  • Airlines
Sat, December 14, 2019 | 08:48
IT
Koreans Complete Human Genome Map
Posted : 2008-12-04 18:13
Updated : 2008-12-04 18:13
Mail
Print Preview
Font Size Up
Font Size Down

Dr. Kim Seong-jin
Gachon University of
Medicine & Science
By Kim Tong-hyung
Staff Reporter

Korean scientists sequencing the human genome said they have finished the job after just seven months, an achievement that may eventually reveal new opportunities for the treatment of genetic diseases.

The subject of the latest genome sequencing was Kim Seong-jin, a cancer specialist from Gachon University of Medicine and Science, who became just the fourth individual ever, and the first Korean, to have his DNA blueprint decoded.

The individual genome sequence of American biologist Craig Venter was published in 2007, followed by those of DNA pioneer James Watson in April. Chinese scientist Yang Huanming became the first Asian last month to have his genome sequenced.



The first Reference Sequence of the human genome was announced in 2003, a result of collaborative efforts of 16 laboratories in the United States, Britain, Germany, France, Japan and China.

``Dr. Watson, who won a Nobel prize for his discovery of the double-helix structure of the DNA, revealed his DNA sequence to advance studies in personalized medical treatment,'' said Kim, who led a team of researchers from Gachon University and the Korean Bioinformation Center (KOBIC) for the project.

``I threw myself into the project after being inspired by Dr. Watson's book, and I am honored to reveal my DNA sequence for the development of medical research,'' he said.

Genome sequencing is considered crucial in assessing the risks of genetic diseases, with the analysis of genetic makeup allowing doctors to predict which diseases individuals are susceptible to.

Scientists have already identified specific genetic sequences that could be linked to certain conditions such as cancer, leukemia, diabetes, depression and alcoholism.

The completion of Kim's personal genome sequence is claimed as a breakthrough in efforts to establish a reference genome for Koreans, which would introduce advancements in medical genetics and ``customized'' treatment for patients.

Currently, Korean researchers are relying on the reference genome provided by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) to identify DNA sequence variations such as SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism), which explain differences in human traits and disease susceptibility.

The research was also in line with the goal of making genome sequencing more commercially viable to patients.

The seven months of research to complete the genome sequence cost about 1.05 billion won ($716,000) including 800 million won for the computer system used for the decoding. In comparison, Venter's genome sequencing took four years and about 100 billion won ― Watson's project took about four months and 1.5 billion won, Kim said.

Scientists believe that the cost could drop to around $1,000 in two to three years, which would allow the market to ``explode.''

``There are only four people now who have had their genome sequence revealed, but that number could reach the thousands in the near future,'' said Yonsei University researcher Paik Young-ki, who participated in the project.

``The latest achievement will open the era of personalized medical treatment and also help research into disease-related protein and drug development,'' he said.

Kim's team finished the mapping of 20.7 billion DNA base pairs, compared to the 2.9 billion base pairs revealed in the reference genome project.

His genome sequence reveals that genetic variations between humans could be greater than previously thought. Kim's genome map revealed a total of 3.23 million SNPs, including 1.58 million SNPs that weren't found in the genome sequences of Venter, Watson and Yang.

thkim@koreatimes.co.kr








 
 
  • numberSecond Korean War 'possible'
  • numberKorean food delivery giant merged into German rival in $4 billion deal
  • numberMacron option for Korea
  • numberEx-dictator Chun seen at lavish luncheon on coup anniv.
  • numberSamsung to strengthen foothold in China
  • numberKim Gun-mo countersues alleged rape victim
  • numberHyundai Motor, Grab partner on EV-based car hailing service in Indonesia
  • numberS. Korea mulls over its military role in Strait of Hormuz
  • numberSeoul to use all 'cards available' to pay less for USFK
  • numberNK could shutdown nuke talks unless US does U-turn: think tank
  • Male rapper convicted of sexually insulting female singer in lyrics Male rapper convicted of sexually insulting female singer in lyrics
  • Actor Kim Soo-hyun to set up own agency Actor Kim Soo-hyun to set up own agency
  • Actor Lee Byung-hun confident with his new film 'The Man Standing Next' Actor Lee Byung-hun confident with his new film 'The Man Standing Next'
  • Record-breaker: BLACKPINK Jennie's 'Solo' hits 400 million views Record-breaker: BLACKPINK Jennie's 'Solo' hits 400 million views
  • Cosmic Girls' Dawon takes forced rest over mental distress Cosmic Girls' Dawon takes forced rest over mental distress
DARKROOM
  • Children deserve better

    Children deserve better

  • Global climate change: time is running out

    Global climate change: time is running out

  • CA cave fire burns more than 4,300 acres

    CA cave fire burns more than 4,300 acres

  • No money, no hope: South Korea's 'Dirt Spoons'

    No money, no hope: South Korea's 'Dirt Spoons'

  • Hong Kong democrats score historic victory

    Hong Kong democrats score historic victory

  • About Korea Times
  • CEO Message
  • Times History
  • Content Sales
  • Media Kit
  • Contact Us
  • Location
  • Privacy Statement
  • Terms of Service
  • Mobile Service
  • RSS Service
  • Ombudsman
  • hankookilbo
  • Dongwha Group
  • Code of Ethics
Copyright