The Impact of Genomics on Today's Society
Genomics is the general study of the gene structures in organisms and
their relationships to the biological functions of that organism. In
recent years, interest in genomics has heightened due to the recent
efforts to map out the complete genetic instructions of a human. Celera
Genomics and the Human Genome Project have been the leading projects in
the area of human gene sequencing. Scientists from Celera Genomics have
now sequenced about 97% of the human genome, but the actual number of
human genes is still unknown, ranging from 28,0000 to 140,000 genes.
Laying out the chemical code for these genes and locating them within the
23 chromosomes could solve many mysteries, allow scientists to locate the
genetic triggers for hundreds of diseases. It could even change our
perception of disease by defining a disease with a precise genetic
definition, which would making a diagnosis more precise and enable faster
treatment.
Scientists have been exploring the newfound gene sequences to learn more
about particular diseases. For example, Dr. David Altshuler, a diabetes
expert, was able to locate certain base pairs of the diabetes gene, using
the Human Genome Project GenBank database, that govern how much protein
is churned out, which is essential information for the development of
treatment for diabetes. He was able to compare this gene sequence to
that of a mouse and find five regions that are active in both, which he
can now focus on as targets for drug design.
Another important application of genomics has been in the area of
cancer. For example, it was recently found in a scientific study that
lymphomas that look the same under a microscope are not necessarily
identical. By studying DNA chips to see which genetic switches were
triggered in various biopsy samples of lymphoma patients, researchers
from the National Cancer Institute determined that there are two
different types of tumors within the single diagnosis of lymphoma. They
believe that this may be why only 40% of lymphoma patients respond to
therapy, meaning that 60% of lymphoma patients may be receiving the wrong
type of treatment.
If the complete gene sequence is mapped out, endless other scientific
breakthroughs may occur. In the future, simple blood tests may be able
to reveal a person's risk of developing a disease such as cancer or
Alzheimers. Also as a result of genomics research, drugs could be
custom-made to produce no side effects for a patient. In the long run,
the project could lead to the cure of diseases or the ability to slow the
aging process, if certain genes can be found and traced to these
particular genes.
Teresa.Tetlow@duke.edu
Jennifer.Snook@duke.edu
Julia.Whitley@duke.edu