One
Page Summary
Genetics
at DLS
Why
all the talk about
genetics?
Genetics is becoming
a “hot topic” in the media because of the human genome project, the
cloning of Dolly, and the research expectations of future developments. Genetics
research will change the face of medicine, and is already integrated into everyday aspects
of life. Using state-of-the-art techniques, laboratories today are
attempting to de-code the genetic code to further improve quality of
life.
The Human Genome
Project (HGP) (http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/)
officially began in October 1990 as a 15-year project costing
approximately $3 billion to locate an estimated 100,000 genes and
sequence the human genetic code. Goals include mapping the genome, sequencing the 3 billion
nucleotide bases that constitute the genetic code, and identifying the
~100,000 genes in order to determine their role in health and disease.
The HGP timeline includes having a “working draft” of the
human genome DNA sequence by 2001, while obtaining the complete and
accurate genome sequence by 2003, which will coincide with the
50th anniversary of Watson and Crick’s discovery of helical
DNA.
Current
research at DLS
Every
known disease has two basic qualities: an environmental aspect and a genetic component. Some
diseases fall closer to one of the qualities, but the most fall into
the middle of the spectrum as a combination of both environment and
genes. Therefore,
it is imperative that genetic research be emphasized.
Age-Related Eye Disease Studies
Age-Related Eye Disease Studies
(AREDS)
are being conducted to look for correlations between genetics and disorders
of the eye.
National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
The
National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants’ DNA is
banked and screened for a number of genetic risk factors.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis
is an iron overload disease that is unique in the fact it is primarily
controlled by genetics. The
affected population is examined for particular mutations in a gene
associated with hereditary hemochromatosis.
Osteoporosis
Five
genes thought to play a large role in osteoporosis are
being examined in women. Once these genes have been studied in full, the compilation of
data may lead to early detection and prevention of this crippling
disease.
Diabetes
A
number of genes associated with type I diabetes are being researched as genetic risk factors. This
research may also lead to early detection and prevention.
Stroke
among women
DLS
is studying genetic risk factors among women who have experienced
stroke and is correlating the genetic aspect with nutritional and
behavioral factors.
