Treatment FAQ

how might the human genome project help in the detection and treatment of specific diseases?

by Nathanial Bruen Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Once a gene or genes associated with disease has been cloned, it is possible to design DNA-based diagnostics to detect altered forms of the gene which predispose to disease. The ability to predict the development of disease makes possible early intervention to limit the severity of a disease or to use gene therapy to cure inherited disorders.

The primary work of the Human Genome Project has been to produce three main research tools that will allow investigators to identify genes involved in normal biology as well as in both rare and common diseases. These tools are known as positional cloning (Collins 1992).

Full Answer

What is the role of Human Genome Project in disease prevention?

The role of the human genome project in disease prevention The Human Genome Project has made it easier to genetically map and clone mutant genes which predispose to a great many human diseases.

How has the Human Genome Project influenced the field of genetics?

During the past 5 years, the Human Genome Project has had a tremendous influence on the field of genetics. This influence will soon become extended across the whole of biology and medicine. After centuries of description, we are now on the eve of truly understanding the cellular processes in the human body.

What can we learn from the Human Genome Project?

Conclusions: Materials and technology generated by the Human Genome Project and related research have provided important tools for the diagnosis and treatment of patients afflicted with genetic diseases. Base Sequence

What happened to the Genome Project?

When the genome project was completed, many hailed it as the beginning of a golden age: all sorts of physical and mental illnesses would be linked to specific genes and a bright light shone on human suffering. But a decade passed and people were still being tormented by cancer, schizophrenia, etc.

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How has the human genome project helped with the treatment of some diseases?

Once a disease gene has been identified, this information can be used to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Results: A number of disease genes have already been identified, leading to improved diagnosis and novel approaches to therapy.

How is studying the genome helping us treat diseases?

Sometimes one disease can be caused by a variety of different mutations or risk factors . Pharmacogenetics is the study of an individual's genome to predict how they will respond to a drug treatment. This type of medicine will also help to make sure that drugs are only used if the doctors know they are going to work.

How did the human genome project help?

The HGP benefited biology and medicine by creating a sequence of the human genome; sequencing model organisms; developing high-throughput sequencing technologies; and examining the ethical and social issues implicit in such technologies.

How genomic research can improve detection and diagnosis of human diseases?

Clinicians can obtain highly accurate findings because of the vast amount of available genome sequence data. Researchers can search this data to improve genomic testing and how they detect people who are at risk of harboring disease-related variants.

Why is the human genome project important to medicine?

In clinical medicine, the human genome gives important clues in the understanding of human diseases in terms of human biology and pathology. Medicine will be revolutionized in improving diagnosis, prognostic, treatments and prevention.

How has genome testing improved healthcare?

Using genomic data, providers can identify patients who are at high risk of developing certain conditions and better plan for treatments. This approach could be particularly helpful in proactively treating cognitive or behavioral disorders before people show signs of disease.

How has the human genome project impacted health care?

Advances in both technologies enable an ever-increasing capacity for accurate diagnosis of existing disease, and development of effective and targeted treatment strategies. They also offer opportunities to assess predisposition to disease, potentially prompting more focused clinical monitoring and lifestyle changes.

Has genomics been used to diagnose and treat diseases?

Genomic testing is used to diagnose, monitor, treat, predict and prevent disease, as well as promote good health in individuals, across communities and whole populations.

How is genomics used in medicine?

Genomic medicine is the study of our genes (DNA) and their interaction with our health. Genomics investigates how a person's biological information can be used to improve their clinical care and health outcomes (eg through effective diagnosis and personalised treatment.

How is genome sequencing used in medicine?

Genome sequencing is increasingly being incorporated into clinical care for the purposes of diagnosing rare disease and some cancers. Genome sequencing allows us to determine most of a person's complete set of DNA by interrogating both the coding and non-coding regions of the genome.

How much did the Human Genome Project contribute to the US economy?

Among its findings was that for every $1 invested by the federal government, the Human Genome Project's impact has resulted in the return of $141 to the U.S. economy. Further, between 1988 and 2010, human genomics generated an economic output of $796 billion, personal income exceeding $244 billion, and 3.8 million job-years of employment ...

How much did genomics generate in 2010?

In just a single year, 2010, genomics-enabled industries generated more than $3.7 billion in federal taxes, and $2.3 billion in state and local taxes. In other words, governments at every level in the U.S. received more income in one year than was invested by the federal government ($5.6 billion in 2010 dollars) during the 13 years ...

Is cancer a genomic disease?

After all, cancer is basically a genomic disease. Already, doctors can better categorize some cancers by examining the constellation of genomic changes in an individual tumor rather than simply establishing the anatomical origins of that tumor; this refined categorization will often lead to more appropriate treatment.

When was the Human Genome Project completed?

When the Human Genome Project was completed in 2003, many saw it as the beginning of a new age. This, they claimed, will unlock the mysteries of cancer, provide cures for Parkinson’s, and spark a medical revolution. Today, however, many feel let down.

How did the genome project help with cystic fibrosis?

The genome project also improved our understanding of cystic fibrosis. This affects mainly white children (about one in 2,500), making their body fluids thicker than normal. As late as the 20th century, it was still being detected by touching a baby’s forehead with the tongue to see if its sweat was salty.

What is the sequence of bases in a chromosome called?

The first aim was to discover the sequence of bases – A, C, G, and T – in the DNA molecules that form a genome. The DNA double helix is made up of building blocks known as nucleotides.

What happens when a faulty gene is identified?

Once the faulty gene has been identified and replaced, it will produce the correct protein, make the cell work properly, and rid the individual of disease.

How does stress affect gene expression?

Stress, trauma, even diet and exercise, can influence gene expression. If scientists could find a way of altering these, switching the good ones on and the bad ones off, then theoretically we could cure cancer, prevent obesity, slow the aging process, and numerous other things.

How many codons are in a gene?

Three of these letters in a row, ATG, for example, is known as a codon. There are 64 codons in total, and a sequence of them makes up a gene.

Who is the director of the National Genome Research Institute?

In an interview, Eric Green , director of the United States’ National Genome Research Institute, even remarked, “I feel bad if our enthusiasm and euphoria over completing the genome project was misinterpreted to mean cures 10 years later.”. Things had proved more complicated than expected.

The future of diagnostics

The first area benefiting directly from the current developments is that of diagnostics.

Mutation detection

In molecular diagnosis, distinction is made between mutation scanning and screening technologies. Scanning technologies aim to find unknown mutations in candidate or known disease genes. Screening techniques aim to find known mutations, preferably with high throughput.

Gene-expression analysis

The rapidly increasing power of bioinformatics (databases and internet), automation (laboratory robotics), and nanotechnology (DNA and laboratory chips) has resulted in a substantial improvement in information gathering and interpretation. On one hand, this directly improves diagnostic sensitivity and precision.

Gene-product diagnosis

Finally, acceptance of genetic technology in medicine would be greatly assisted if one could take genetic diagnosis beyond the abstraction of a change in the DNA or RNA code into the more tangible absence or change of a gene product.

Therapy and prevention

With the emergence of these powerful approaches, the next areas to benefit from genome technology will be prognosis, therapy, and prevention.

The individual and the doctor beyond the genome project

Unavoidably, in the face of all these choices, the individual's own role as manager of his or her health will become more prominent. The increasing impact of the internet will allow patients much more rapid information retrieval, after suspicions are raised or a firm diagnosis is made, than medical caretakers can ever hope to keep up with.

What are the concerns about genetic information?

Some people have concerns about using genetic information in the treatment of disease. These concerns include: 1 Tailor-made medicines might be more expensive 2 Not everyone might have access to new treatments 3 Keeping genetic information private 4 Possible discrimination at work and from health insurance companies 5 Need for more information about this type of medicine

Why do we need genetic testing?

Because these liver enzymes are less active in some people, they are less able to break down and get rid of some medicines. This can lead to serious side effects.

What is the goal of the Family History Initiative?

Surgeon General's Family History Initiative. This goal of this campaign is to have all American families learn more about their family health history.

What diseases can run in families?

Rare diseases like hemophilia, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell anemia also run in families.

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