Page 117 - Read Online

Page 111 Chu et al. J Transl Genet Genom 2023;7:196-212 https://dx.doi.org/10.20517/jtgg.2023.22

single-cell sequencing and other omics data holds the promise of transforming healthcare as it facilitates
diagnosis, targeted treatment and prognostic prediction, and may allow better clinical management and
inform targeted therapeutic development.

Since commencing its operation, HKGI has overcome many challenges while embracing opportunities to
improve the workflow along the way. Tremendous efforts have been invested in establishing its Laboratory
from scratch, from recruiting talents and training new bloods, to setting GS quality and QC benchmarks,
developing operational workflow and completing the sequencing of over 6,680 genomes, continuous fine-
tuning and enhancing laboratory workflow. All within the first two years. HKGI sees the GS Laboratory as
an important entry point into the scientific workflow. Our preliminary findings have demonstrated the
capability of GS in advancing personalised genomic treatment, as illustrated in the PKD1 example. While
shouldering the important responsibility of offering the first end-to-end GS in Hong Kong, HKGI also
values the privilege of paving the way for the career training and development of GS laboratory personnel
from medical technologists, laboratory scientists and researchers, laboratory assistants to interns and
trainees aspired to embark on the journey. As we move into the main phase, the HKGI GS platform will
enable the implementation of precision medicine in clinical research and practice, going beyond genomics.

DECLARATIONS
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the participants of the HKGP. We also thank all members of the HKGI for
preparing the launch of the HKGP, especially Jimmy Jiang, Janice Wong, Raven Lee, Nathan Lau, and Sau-
Dan Lee. We thank The University of Hong Kong, Centre of PanorOmics Sciences (CPOS), for the
sequencing of HKGP samples. We also wish to acknowledge the support of the HKGP stakeholders: The
Health Bureau, Hospital Authority, Department of Health, and Partnering Centres at The University of
Hong Kong/Queen Mary Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong/Prince of Wales Hospital, and
Hong Kong Children’s Hospital.

Authors’ contributions
Made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the study: Chung BHY, Chu ATW, Tong
AHY
Drafted the article and made critical revisions: Chung BHY, Chu ATW, Tong AHY, Tse DMS, Lo CWS
Performed data analysis and interpretation: Tong AHY, Lo CWS
Performed data acquisition: Lau CCF, Li CYF, Tai NSY, Wong LW, Choy GKC, Tse BYY
Provided administrative, technical, and material support: Lo SV, Tse DMS, Sung K, Yu M
Resources: Hong Kong Genome Project

Availability of data and materials
The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author,
[BHYC]. The data are not publicly available due to their containing information that could compromise the
privacy of research participants.

Financial support and sponsorship
None.

Conflicts of interest
All authors declared that there are no conflicts of interest.