PacBio-Singapore project to create largest SE Asian genome dataset
11 Aug 2024
Singapore’s National Precision Medicine (NPM) Programme and genomic sequencing leader PacBio have embarked on a project that aims to produce a more diverse reserve of reference genomes.
The pair will sequence the whole-genomes of thousands of Singaporeans, creating what will be the largest genomic dataset in Southeast Asia.
At present the reference source used in global research has been the Human Genome Project, whose samples are overwhelmingly drawn from white, European origin-derived DNA samples.
As reference genomes are key to the identification of genetic variations that influence disease risk, diagnosis, and treatment, it is hoped the new project will generate specific insights into the Asian genome and benefit developments for precision medicine in Singapore.
Given the varying risk factors for disease among different ethnic groups and the drive towards more personalised and individualised treatments, an improved understanding of genetic variability is a necessity and one the project promises to address.
Singapore offers a particularly useful environment for this work, boasting an ethnically diverse but relatively small population, as well as being one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world.
Precision Health Research, Singapore (PRECISE), which is spearheading the country’s efforts, has adopted PacBio’s Revio HiFi sequencing system for its Long-Read Sequencing flagship project.
In addition to the capabilities of traditional short-read sequencing technologies, PacBio’s long-read sequencing provides comprehensive genomic coverage, enabling detection of large structural variations and DNA methylation, enabling the creation of a more complete picture of the genome. It combines whole genome sequencing, RNA full-length sequencing, fibre sequencing, and methylation analysis.
Said Christian Henry, PacBio president and CEO: “PRECISE chose PacBio HiFi technology for its capacity to deliver complete and accurate genomes. This project exemplifies Revio’s unique ability to provide differentiated solutions for large-scale, multi-thousand-sample, whole genome sequencing projects.”
The firm plans to establish advanced sequencing and data analysis pipelines in Singapore, with a centralised library preparation facility and sequencing laboratory for high throughput production.
