Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research

The field of genomics is at a critical juncture. If left centered in well-funded labs of the United States and Europe, many worry that less privileged societies will soon confront a “genomics divide,” further exacerbating the already severe health disparities between wealthy and poor nations. But there is no geographical limit to human intelligence, and researchers from all parts of the world are showing that developing countries can create their own genomic infrastructure and effectively compete on an international scale.

For the most part, efforts to eradicate diseases of poverty are still divided into two separate categories: one is to develop treatments and specific preventive measures for such diseases, while the other is to abolish poverty. By undertaking science in the developing world, it may be possible to achieve both aims simultaneously.

The Example of Brazil

In 1997, the São Paulo scientific foundation, FAPSEP, and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research initiated the first major genomic project in Brazil. Since that time Brazil has gone on to become one of the leading producers of gene sequencing data in the world. Furthermore, it has done so not by relying on one massive sequencing facility, but by bringing together a large number of individual labs and local researchers who are using their collective talent to pursue cutting-edge research in Brazil. Some milestones:

How will genomics improve the health of developing countries?

Genomic research is likely to have a great impact on tropical and infectious diseases, the primary health problems for many poor nations. These conditions stem from specific parasites and other microbes that are best deciphered through genetic sequencing. Despite some effective preventive measures, diseases that are seldom seen in Western countries continue to exert a heavy toll in the developing world.

Malaria still persists in poorer countries because the parasite that causes it has become resistant to chloroquine, the most inexpensive treatment available. Understanding the genetic code of a range of parasites could help create more effective uses of existing drugs, as well as lead to new ones. With some diseases, such as Leptospirosis, the only way to develop a potential treatment is by studying the proteins in the bacteria that cause it. This often fatal disease is linked to the bacterial pathogen, Leptospira interrogans, found in polluted water. Determining its genetic blue print could identify possible targets for a vaccine.

Why should developing nations pursue genomic research?

As the battle against AIDS demonstrates, medical breakthroughs mean little if developing nations can not afford them. The recent sequencing of the malaria genome, for example, was done almost entirely by first world countries and is based on the rather impractical hope that what is discovered in well-meaning labs of the North can be transferred cheaply to the Southern Hemisphere.

Conducting this research in the developing world can help less privileged nations solve their own problems, while providing them a chance to compete in the potentially lucrative field of genomics. Many health dangers remain undeterred simply because there is no affluent market to support new treatments. Out of the nearly 1,200 drugs that were created between 1975 and 1999, a World Health Organization report found that only 13 were for tropical diseases.

Public agencies continue to finance first world research that helps the third world, but some of that money would clearly be better spent on supporting science in developing countries, which can aid poor and wealthy societies alike. Complex diseases such as cancer render all contributions welcome and the vast talent from around the world remains shockingly under utilized.

Can developing countries afford to do this type of research?

Diseases that affect the developing world are often intractable because of a lack of money, rather than a lack of scientific progress. Already, some countries have been criticized for cutting back on existing health programs to finance hi-tech science projects with unknown benefits.

Still, genomic research does offer unique economic possibilities. Sequencing and annotating an entire genome is a labor intensive process that is certainly cheaper to perform in developing countries. Moreover, both generating and interpretating genomic data can lead to financially rewarding discoveries. Getting any scientific program off the ground requires an initial expense, but these efforts help create an environment that can advance other areas of research, which are less costly to support.

Brazil, for example, used $11 million of its own money to start a genomics program, but almost all projects have also received financing from private companies and international agencies, including $500,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture and others to sequence a pathogen that affects wine vineyards in California.

Some genomic disciplines, such as bioinformatics, are far less expensive, requiring only some initial training and a personal computer. The internet adds a further equalizing force, allowing instant access to databases, journals, and colleagues from around the world.

Given the long list of problems that developing countries face, funding genomic research must be carefully balanced against other health necessities. When done wisely, however—such as relying on a network of coordinated labs and utilizing already existing talent—these initiatives have proven financially viable.

Can developing countries compete in genomics?

Traditional biomedical research still favors wealthy nations. It is hard to have an idea that no one else in the world has not also had, and if two scientists attempt to develop a similar medical technique or new drug, the scientist from a developed country will almost always patent and publish the results first due to logistical advantages.

Genomics, on the other hand, provides a more equal opportunity, where researchers sort through the same information to gain potential insights. Instead of having to test a new technique or drug, the first one to find something useful about a gene has the chance to patent the discovery. The prime route for generating potentially valuable data is genome sequencing, a rather arduous and repetitive process that is relatively straightforward to learn. Once mastered, the same approach can be applied to any organism with a DNA genome.

When given the chance to compete head-to-head, developing countries have often done quite well. China quickly built up its genomic capabilities to collaborate on the Human Genome Project, and out-paced more established centers in sequencing the rice genome. Brazil has also created first-rate genomic capabilities in a remarkably short period of time, allowing it to emerge as a major partner in several world-wide endeavors, such as the Cancer Genome Anatomy Project and the annotation of the human genome.

What countries are pursuing genomic programs?

The United States, Europe, and Japan still dominate genomic research. But a number of developing countries are starting to make inroads, with some dramatic results.

Africa

Representatives from several African countries have expressed an interest in developing their own genomic capabilities. The African Genome Policy Forum was recently established to lobby for a series of regional genomic centers, and has gained some outside funding already. South Africa, with a strong expertise in bioinformatics and sequencing technology, is planning several large-scale genomic studies, including the characterization of Coelacanth genome.

Asia

China was the only developing country to partner on the Human Genome Project, contributing 1% of the draft sequence. Researchers there have now deciphered the indica rice genome, and are working to fully sequence the pig genome. India has also created a burgeoning genomic infrastructure, devoting roughly $30 million a year to fund a broad range of hi-tech research initiatives. South Korea recently launched a national genome project of its own, which includes an effort to sequence the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Thailand and Vietnam are collaborating with other countries on small scale genomics programs as well.

Eastern Europe

Science in Eastern Europe had been generally well supported, but funding quickly deteriorated after the collapse of the Soviet Union. A number of Eastern block countries, however, are now starting to rebuild, often with a special focus in genomics. Estonia recently started a far-reaching genetic database that plans to collect DNA samples for population-based studies, similar to the national program instituted in Iceland. At the Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics in the Ukraine, researchers are studying the genetic causes of disease and the potential application of gene therapy. Overall, the Russian National Genome Program ranks as one of the leading supporters of genomic research.

Latin & South America

Argentina and other South American countries led the charge to sequence parasites that cause Chagas disease, Leishmaniasis, and Schistosomiasis. In Mexico, researchers have sequenced portions of the Rhizobium etili bacterium, and they are part of an international effort to characterize maize genes important for agriculture. Chile recently established a genome program to sequence the genomes of wine-grapes and nectarines. Having sequenced the first plant pathogen, Brazil is now considered a leader in agricultural genomics.

For further information:

World Health Organization

http://www.who.org/genomics

Sustainable Sciences Institute

http://www.ssilink.org/