Human Genome Project is a research program that aims to understand all human genes. Experts in this field classify human genome as; determining the sequence of the structure of the human DNA; creating blueprints that illustrate the position of genes for the major segments of our chromosomes, and developing linkage maps that help to track inherited traits.
The Dubai Health Authority established the human genome project to help prevent genetic and chronic diseases. The Authority’s objective is to initiate the project on all Dubai residents with UAE citizens coming first. DNA samples are collected, recorded, and stored. This project enables the experts to uncover chromosomes, proteins, and genes which can be used to prevent chronic disorders like cancer and even genetic diseases. This helps physicians to detect and prevent diseases, as well as make accurate predictions on the development of certain illnesses.
The Link between Common Diseases and Our Genes
Genes and the environment increase the vulnerability to diseases. The genetic portions an individual inherits are a minor cause of disease vulnerability. 60% of the most common illnesses are inherited, but the lifestyle of an individual and the environment contributes to these problems.
Complex conditions can show common symptoms, but they do not show phenotype segregation. They might display the characteristics of a single-gene disorder and other times complex-gene-diseases. Both single-gene disorders and complex conditions are caused by genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.
Single-gene diseases transform the body’s equilibrium in the early stages of development while the complex disorders affect balance, but the results are seen later in life.
How Genome Project is used to Prevent Genetic, Chronic Diseases
Genetic research helps scientists to learn about different genetic structures and to develop medication that treats specific individuals.
Below are some ways that the human genome project can help:
Risk Assessment
The knowledge of human genome structure, functions, and characteristics will help to analyze potential risks individuals face when exposed to toxic environments. Scientists conduct this research to understand why some individuals are vulnerable while others remain unaffected by such conditions. The information gathered will enable scientists to understand the impacts of exposing human cells to low levels of radiation with regard to cancer development. This knowledge is used to reduce the chances of inheriting mutations.
Bio-archeology
Understanding the human genome gives us in-depth knowledge on evolution and the biological structures humans share with other life forms. The comparison between human and rat genes has led to a lot of breakthroughs and has helped to solve extensive problems in the medical world. Bio-archeology helps to compare and contrast the probability of mutations depending on the ages of individuals and historical events.
Physiotherapy and Genomic Medicine
Gene sequencing is provided in many hospitals and clinics; this makes it easy to access health information regarding numerous diseases such as heritable disorders. This has helped people seeking physiotherapy UAE to make informed decisions. Individuals send their DNA samples to institutions that run genetic tests which later give feedback regarding their genetic profiles and the chances of developing certain conditions.
Physiotherapists treat diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions which often run in families. Human genome project and physiotherapy can be used to treat genetic diseases.
Molecular Medicine
Human Genome project provides resources that enable specialists to make extensive research on the impacts of biomedicine on clinical medicine and biological research. Information about genome maps helps scientists to discover the genes linked to genetic diseases such as inherited cancer, myotonic dystrophy, Alzheimer’s disease, and neurofibromatosis.
Molecular medicine focuses on treating the primary cause of an illness rather than treating the symptoms. Regular and more detailed diagnostics will help in the early treatment of many diseases and conditions. Experts will be able to develop new therapeutic techniques based on advanced medicine, immunotherapy regimes and to avoid toxic environments that might trigger certain conditions. Replacement of mutated genes through gene augmentation or therapy will be possible.
Monogenetic Diseases
Monogenetic conditions are caused by a single defective or missing gene. This condition is characterized by conditions such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and hemophilia. Understanding the nature of recessive genes enables scientists to treat inherited illnesses by transferring healthy genes by using viral vectors to introduce the DNA.
Gene editing helps to recognize individual DNA sequences and to cut them off to initiate repairs. This treatment makes it possible to permanently edit a genomic sequence through disruption and correction of DNA.
Human genome project as an advanced method of preventing genetic and chronic conditions is beneficial because it helps to treat diseases such as cancer which troubles many people. This project makes it possible for the early detection of diseases before they develop and turn chronic. Gene sequencing helps to prevent certain cardiovascular diseases and obesity. It also helps to prevent many illnesses that are caused by genetic conditions that sometimes lead to death.
