The 'thousand-dollar genome': an ethical exploration

Sequencing an individual’s complete genome is expected to be possible for a relatively low sum (‘one thousand dollars’) within a few years. Sequencing is determining the order of base pairs that make up the genome. The result is a library of three billion letter combinations. Cheap whole genome sequencing is of greatest importance to medical scientific research. Comparing individual complete genomes will lead to a better understanding of the contribution genetic variation makes to health and disease. As knowledge increases, the ‘thousand-dollar genome’ will also become increasingly important to healthcare. The applications that come within reach raise a number of ethical questions. This monitoring report addresses the issue.