Chinese geneticists across the Pacific: a century of scientific legacies in genetics and genomics

Modern genetics began with the rediscovery of Mendelian inheritance in 1900. The discovery of the DNA double helix in 1953 laid the foundation of molecular genetics. The Human Genome Project from 1990 to 2003 provided a fundamental genetic blueprint of human biology, with a lasting and expanding impact on the development of numerous genomic, multi-omics, and gene-editing technologies for precision medicine. To highlight the contributions of Chinese geneticists with work and training experience across the Pacific, this historical review presents the breakthrough discoveries by prominent Chinese geneticists during the early pioneering generation (1920-1950), the molecular genetics era (1951-1990), the transition to human and medical genetics, and current progress in genetic and genomic medicine (1991-present). These world-renowned geneticists have made significant contributions to understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate biological processes, the etiology and pathogenesis of genetic diseases, and the development of novel genetic engineering and therapeutic approaches. They also played leading roles in various professional organizations, academic centers, and industry. Standing on the shoulders of these prominent Chinese geneticists, current and future generations of geneticists and researchers could have a broader vision and more deeply explore the frontiers of genetics.