20 Years of Innovation: Nine breakthroughs in the Life Sciences

At the beginning of the new century, the draft human genome, which took more than a decade and cost billions of dollars, has just been sequenced. By the end of 2020, the cost of sequencing a single genome is less than $1,000, and emerging technologies such as induced stem cells, cancer immunotherapy, and gene editing have emerged, changing the treatment of many diseases. At the turn of the century, it is hard to imagine that we could have achieved this.

The end of the year coincides with Wuxi AppTec's 20th anniversary. In today's article, we look back at Science's annual scientific breakthroughs since 2000. Of the 20 scientific breakthroughs in 20 years, nearly half are in the life sciences.

2000: Interpreting the Book of Life

The genome carries the genetic information passed down from generation to generation, and each genome is a genetic book written in four letters. In the last century, decoding genetic sequences was slow and tedious work. In the 21st century, with a global effort, we have been able to sequence genomes and generate huge amounts of genetic data. Science magazine named the feat the breakthrough of the year. But in terms of importance, it may be the breakthrough of the century.

2002: The Big role of small RNA

For a long time, RNA molecules were overshadowed by their relatives, DNA. Many scientists view RNA as a "runner," simply carrying genetic information from DNA to a protein-producing factory. At the turn of the century, however, some discoveries suggested that a small class of RNA molecules could act as cellular conductors, controlling gene expression and even silencing specific genes. In 2006, two scientists who discovered the principle of RNA interference were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. In 2018, the first drug to treat a human disease using RNA interference was approved by the FDA.

2005: Evolution and the Genome

Darwin's theory of evolution is a monument in the history of science. Scientists have known for a long time that the pressures of natural selection induce life to become more diverse, and a series of studies in 2005 gave us a clear picture of how evolution happens at the molecular level. This year, scientists learned that human and chimpanzee genome sequences are extremely close, with less than 1% difference; Scientists have also isolated the 1918 pandemic virus from a frozen corpse in Alaska, noting that it began as a common bird flu virus until it underwent several key mutations that allowed the virus to easily infect humans.

2007: Everyone is unique

Seven years ago, the first draft of the human genome was completed. In 2007, we were able to sequence the genomes of multiple people. If sequencing with chimpanzees tells us what makes us human, sequencing with other humans tells us what makes us who we are. This year, we learned that there are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPS) between people, and there are also differences in gene copy numbers. It only takes a few generations for our genomes to diverge significantly from those of our ancestors. These are the things that make us unique.

2008: Cells rejuvenate

In the past, cell differentiation was a one-way street. Young stem cells are like us in our teens, with endless possibilities for future development. Mature cells, like us as adults, focus on a particular area of work. In 2008, scientists turned mature human skin cells back into stem cells, essentially turning the cells back into children. In mice, scientists used the same technique to turn one type of mature cell back into a stem cell and then into another type of mature cell. In 2012, two scientists who invented induced stem cell technology won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

2011: Prevention of HIV infection

Since the birth of the AIDS cocktail, researchers have known that antiretroviral drugs can reduce HIV levels in the body. But does this mean that the drugs used to treat it also have a preventative effect? In 2011, a clinical trial proved that antiretroviral drugs can reduce the risk of heterosexual transmission by 96%. Others say we are not far from ending this widespread disease.

2013: Cancer immunotherapy

The journal Science listed the year as a turning point in cancer treatment. After a long search, we finally learned how to mobilize our immune system to fight cancer: a woman who lived 13 years after treatment for a fist-sized tumor in her lung; A 6-year-old girl who nearly died of leukemia is now in third grade; One man's metastatic kidney cancer also continued to regress after he stopped treatment. In 2014, two blockbuster immunotherapies targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway were approved. In 2018, two immunotherapy pioneers were awarded that year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

2015: Genetic Magic Scissors

Photo credit: 123RF

Back in 2012 and 2013, CRISPR gene editing technology was nominated for Breakthrough of the year, and 2015 finally got it. The technology made several headlines in 2015, Science noted, including the use of "gene drives" to eliminate pests and, for the first time, edit DNA in human embryos. As Professor Emmanuelle Charpentier said at a summit that year, for better or worse, we are already living in a CRISPR world. This year, she and Professor Jennifer Doudna won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

2018: Unparalleled HD

How does a single cell develop into a complex organism consisting of billions of cells with different organs? We know that the genetic code is the conductor of this symphony of life, telling each cell which genes to turn on when and where. Today, with a combination of techniques, we can isolate and sequence cells one by one and figure out which genes are being turned on in each cell. It's like capturing the moment of cell development, seeing the development of an organism at the high-definition resolution of a single cell.

2040:...

Twenty years from now, which existing innovations deserve to be called breakthroughs of the year or to win Nobel prizes? What new breakthrough technologies will emerge that will advance the life sciences and ultimately benefit global health? We are looking forward to it!