Open AccessGenomics and Precision Medicine: Molecular Diagnostics Innovations Shaping the Future of Healthcare in Qatar
Author(s) -
Nader I Al-Dewik,
Musthafa Mohamed Essa
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advances in public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2356-6868
pISSN - 2314-7784
DOI - 10.1155/2019/3807032
Subject(s) - genomics , precision medicine , personalized medicine , health care , pharmacogenomics , exome sequencing , biomedicine , personal genomics , nutrigenomics , data science , computational biology , genome , medicine , computer science , bioinformatics , biology , genetics , political science , gene , mutation , law
Unprecedented developments in genomics research and ancillary technologies are creating the potential for astonishing changes in both the healthcare field and the life sciences sector. The innovative genomics applications include the following: (1) embracing next generation sequencing (NGS) in clinical diagnostics setting (applying both whole genome and exome sequencing), (2) single cell sequencing studies, (3) quantifying gene expression changes (including whole transcriptome sequencing), (4) pharmacogenomics, and (5) cell-free DNA blood-based testing. This minireview describes the impact of clinical genomics disruptive innovations on the healthcare system in order to provide better diagnosis and treatment. The observed evolution is not limited to the point-of-care services. Genomics technological breakthroughs are pushing the healthcare environment towards personalized healthcare with the real potential to attain better wellbeing. In this article, we will briefly discuss the Gulf region population-based genome initiatives that intend to improve personalized healthcare by offering better prevention, diagnosis, and therapy for the individual (precision medicine). Qatar’s endeavor in genomics medicine will be underscored including the private Applied Biomedicine Initiative (ABI).