January 18, 2002

The leaders of the two scientific teams that jointly published a first draft of the human genome were honored earlier this month with the MGH's highest award for research. Francis Collins, MD, PhD, director of the Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, and J. Craig Venter, PhD, president and chief scientific officer of Celera Genomics Corporation, received the 2001 Warren Triennial Prize, established in 1871 in honor of John Collins Warren, MD, co-founder of the MGH and its first surgeon.

In his lecture on Jan. 7, Venter described the technique he and his colleagues developed for sequencing genes, one which focuses only on those segments of DNA that are actually translated into RNA and eventually into proteins. Venter's group was able to produce a huge number of DNA segments, which were matched and assembled by powerful computer programs in what has been termed the "whole genome shotgun approach." He noted that, as science moves from decoding the genome into addressing the structure, function and interaction of the proteins encoded in DNA — a discipline called proteomics — the need for new computational and mathematical tools becomes even more critical. "The biggest challenge in computing today is understanding the human genome and human biology," he said.

In his Jan. 8 lecture, Collins predicted where genome research might lead in the future. The next five to seven years could see identification of major genes involved in susceptibility to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and mental illness, problems that result from the interaction of several genes with environmental factors. Ten to 20 years in the future may find development of both preventive and therapeutic medications based on individual genetic variations, accompanied by successful gene therapy interventions for illnesses caused by changes in a single gene or a few genes.

Collins also noted that, while many of the scenarios about "designer babies" that have been discussed in the media are not realistic, educating the public about the implications of genetic medicine and addressing the ethical and social implications are essential. "As a society, we have to figure out the limits," he said. "And we have to be open about what we know and what we don't know."

Since 1953, the Warren Triennial Prize has been associated with an invited lectureship. Generally, two awardees have shared the honor each year. Fourteen of the Warren Triennial Prize winners subsequently have won the Nobel Prize, and two Nobel winners later have given Warren lectures.

From left, Collins with John T. Potts, MD, director of MGH research, and Venter