First pass at creating a human pangenome

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In summary, a human pangenome is the complete set of genetic information for all individuals within a species, including variations and differences in genetic sequences. It is important to create a human pangenome in order to better understand genetic diversity and its impact on disease, personalized medicine, and evolution. The human pangenome is being created through sequencing and analyzing the genomes of thousands of individuals from different populations. Some challenges in creating a human pangenome include the vast amount of data, high cost of sequencing, and ethical considerations. The human pangenome will benefit scientific research by providing a more comprehensive understanding of human genetic variation, leading to advancements in various fields such as personalized medicine, disease treatment, and evolutionary studies.
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Data from 47 out of 350 people worldwide that specifically looked at 0.1% of the human genome which is very variable as opposed to the other 99.9% of the human genome
Popular science:
https://www.livescience.com/health/...building-blocks-to-the-human-reference-genome
Nature (open access:)
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-05896-x

A pangenome is a genomic map using extant variable genes as found in populations across continents.

First pass on genomic data from 47 humans. The genes represent a group of very variable human genes, sampled across world populations. The study's endpoint is 350 individuals, so this is a start using a small dataset. The report focuses on improved methodologies that will be applied to genomes from additional people.
 
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This is an exciting development in the field of genetics and genomics. The publication of the first draft of a human pangenome is a significant step towards understanding the full complexity of the human genome. By including genes from diverse populations, this pangenome provides a more comprehensive representation of the genetic diversity within the human species.

One of the most interesting aspects of this study is the use of improved methodologies to analyze and interpret the data. This approach will not only allow for a more accurate representation of the pangenome, but also provide insights into the genetic variations and mutations that exist within the human population.

Furthermore, the open access nature of this study is commendable as it allows for collaboration and further research by the scientific community. This will undoubtedly lead to a better understanding of the human genome and its role in health and disease.

However, it is important to note that this is just the first pass at creating a human pangenome and there is still a lot of work to be done. As the study mentions, the endpoint is to include 350 individuals, and it will be interesting to see how the pangenome evolves as more data is added.

Overall, this is a promising development in the field of genetics and has the potential to greatly impact our understanding of the human genome. I look forward to seeing how this research progresses and the insights it will provide into the genetic makeup of our species.
 

What is a human pangenome?

A human pangenome is a genetic reference that includes the complete set of DNA sequences from a diverse range of individuals. Unlike a traditional reference genome, which is based on the DNA of just a few individuals, a pangenome aims to capture the genetic diversity found across different human populations, including all the common and rare genetic variations.

How is a human pangenome created?

Creating a human pangenome involves sequencing the genomes of many individuals from various ethnic and geographic backgrounds. Advanced sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools are used to assemble these sequences into a comprehensive reference that includes multiple variations of each region of the genome. This process helps in identifying and cataloging genetic variations more accurately.

What are the benefits of using a human pangenome?

The human pangenome offers a more accurate and inclusive representation of human genetic diversity than the standard reference genomes. This inclusivity improves the understanding of human biology and disease, enhances the accuracy of genetic tests, and facilitates more personalized approaches to medicine. It can also lead to discoveries of previously unidentified genetic variants that may be important for health and disease.

How does the human pangenome differ from the Human Genome Project?

While the Human Genome Project (HGP) focused on sequencing a nearly complete human genome from a small number of individuals, the human pangenome aims to capture the full genetic diversity of humanity by including genomes from many different people. The pangenome is not limited to a single reference but includes multiple variations for each part of the genome, reflecting the true genetic diversity across human populations.

What are the challenges in creating a human pangenome?

There are several challenges in creating a human pangenome, including the technical difficulties of sequencing and assembling highly variable and complex regions of the genome. Additionally, ensuring a diverse and representative sample of the global population poses logistical and ethical challenges. Data storage, management, and analysis of such large datasets also require advanced computational resources and expertise.

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