DNA TESTING AND HUMAN HEALTH

DNA Testing and Human Health



DNA Testing and Human Health

This paper focuses on the DNA testing and human health for this purpose we will explore and analyse the Rapid progress in genome science and a glimpse into its potential applications. Rapid progress in genome science and a glimpse into its potential applications have spurred observers to predict that biology will be the foremost science of the 21st century. Technology and resources generated by the Human Genome Project and other genomics research are already having a major impact on research across the life sciences. The potential for commercial development of genomics research presents U.S. industry with a wealth of opportunities, and sales of DNA-based products and technologies in the biotechnology industry are projected to exceed $45 billion by 2009 (Consulting Resources Corporation Newsletter, Spring 1999).

Some current and potential applications of genome research include

Molecular medicine

Energy sources and environmental applications

Risk assessment

Bioarchaeology, anthropology, evolution, and human migration

DNA forensics (identification)

Agriculture, livestock breeding, and bioprocessing

Molecular Medicine

Improved diagnosis of disease

Earlier detection of genetic predispositions to disease

Rational drug design

Gene therapy and control systems for drugs

Pharmacogenomics "custom drugs"

Technology and resources promoted by the Human Genome Project are starting to have profound impacts on biomedical research and promise to revolutionize the wider spectrum of biological research and clinical medicine. Increasingly detailed genome maps have aided researchers seeking genes associated with dozens of genetic conditions, including myotonic dystrophy, fragile X syndrome, neurofibromatosis types 1 and 2, inherited colon cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and familial breast cancer.

On the horizon is a new era of molecular medicine characterized less by treating symptoms and more by looking to the most fundamental causes of disease. Rapid and more specific diagnostic tests will make possible earlier treatment of countless maladies. Medical researchers also will be able to devise novel therapeutic regimens based on new classes of drugs, immunotherapy techniques, avoidance of environmental conditions that may trigger disease, and possible augmentation or even replacement of defective genes through gene therapy.

Energy and Environmental Applications

Use microbial genomics research to create new energy sources (biofuels)

Use microbial genomics research to develop environmental monitoring techniques to detect pollutants

Use microbial genomics research for safe, efficient environmental remediation

Use microbial genomics research for carbon sequestration

In 1994, taking advantage of new capabilities developed by the genome project, DOE initiated the Microbial Genome Program to sequence the genomes of bacteria useful in energy production, environmental remediation, toxic waste reduction, and industrial processing. A follow-on program, Genomic Science Program (GSP) builds on data and resources from the Human Genome Project, the Microbial Genome Program, and systems biology. GSP will accelerate understanding of dynamic living systems for solutions to DOE mission challenges in energy and the environment.

Despite our reliance on the inhabitants of the microbial world, we know little of their number or their nature: estimates are that less than 0.01% of all microbes have been cultivated and ...