Sequencing Center

SAGE, Chair Mark Miller has pledged the support of SAGE members in obtaining the necessary funds for a DNA sequencing center within the Department of Human Genetics. This is an exciting time for medical research. The ability to define an individual’s entire genome will further research into the discovery and cure of human diseases. Using new more affordable DNA sequencing technology, doctors will be able to better discover and define new treatments and therapies. This center will greatly enhance the University of Utah’s scientific stature and ensure that the University of Utah remains a leader in academics, research, and medicine. This one-of-a-kind, world-class facility will continue our tradition of excellence in human genetic research.

DNA sequencing, which was once cumbersome and very expensive, is now at the cutting edge
of biomedical research. When the Human Genome Project began in 1990, it took 13 years to
complete one person’s entire DNA sequence, at a cost of nearly three billion dollars. In 2007,
history was made when that process was reduced from 13 years to less than one year, at a cost
of approximately 10 million dollars. With current technology, it is possible to obtain an
individual’s complete DNA sequence for just a few thousand dollars; and this cost will
continue to decline. Within the next year, new “third-generation” sequencing technology will
be able to complete an individual’s entire DNA sequence in just minutes. While the University
of Utah Health Sciences Center currently has two DNA sequencers at the Huntsman Cancer
Institute, and an additional sequencer at ARUP Blood Services. there is a great need for
additional state-of-the-art DNA sequencing technology, as well as computational facilities, to
meet our expanding needs. This is the cutting edge of personalized medicine and the next
step in research into the causes of all genetic diseases, the basis of which were discovered
here at the Eccles Institute of Human Genetics. Diagnosis, care, and treatment of patients
will be greatly facilitated by this highly advanced technology. This facility will keep the
University at the center of technological excellence and provide the resources for the
advancement of scientific research and the discovery of cures for genetic diseases.