Impact of the 1000 Genomes Project on the next wave of pharmacogenomic discovery

The 1000 Genomes Project aims to provide detailed genetic variation data on over 1000 genomes from worldwide populations using the next-generation sequencing technologies. Some of the samples utilized for the 1000 Genomes Project are the International HapMap samples that are composed of lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from individuals of different world populations. These same samples have been used in pharmacogenomic discovery and validation. For example, a cell-based, genome-wide approach using the HapMap samples has been used to identify pharmacogenomic loci associated with chemotherapeutic-induced cytotoxicity with the goal to identify genetic markers for clinical evaluation. Although the coverage of the current HapMap data is generally high, the detailed map of human genetic variation promised by the 1000 Genomes Project will allow a more in-depth analysis of the contribution of genetic variation to drug response. Future studies utilizing this new resource may greatly enhance our understanding of the genetic basis of drug response and other complex traits (e.g., gene expression), therefore, help advance personalized medicine.