TalkAll Gene Discoveries Are Not Equal
When newspapers announce that a gene has been discovered for a certain disease — such as the recent findings of genes involved in chronic fatigue syndrome, schizophrenia, and obesity — we inevitably get calls from people interested in testing for that genetic finding. But “finding a gene” can mean a few different things.
Finding the gene: Sometimes, researchers identify a gene that definitely causes a disease, such as the discovery of the gene for hemophilia or cystic fibrosis. Such a finding does not necessarily mean that a genetic test is immediately available or that researchers can cure the disease. However, it does mean that the medical community may be closer to a possible cure. Knowing the genetic origin of a disease can aid in diagnosis.
Finding one of many genes: In other cases, researchers discover a gene that plays a role in a small subset of people who get a common disease, such as the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, which cause breast and ovarian cancer in some people. Again, finding these genes puts researchers one step closer to a cure or genetic test that can help certain people with the disease.
Finding a gene in animals: One way to understand gene function in humans is to find and manipulate a gene that causes an animal — such as the mouse or fruit fly — to show symptoms similar to a human disease. Animals have genes that are very similar to our own, so these discoveries help point researchers to the biological function of a human disease gene. However, it is a long path from finding a gene in flies or mice to finding a genetic treatment for a human disease.
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April 27th, 2006 at 9:57 pm
Good points Lisa– gene discoveries have not yet resulted in “finding a cure” and yet the media often make it look like one is just around the corner. What I see as most exciting right now is the fact that new genetic discoveries can actually help identify which people may respond to a certain drug treatments and which may not (except for the unwelcome side effects). That was the promising news this week about treatments for both schizophrenia and hepatitis C. This is hugely important!
October 30th, 2006 at 3:33 pm
Prevention is what is needed for schizophrenia. Men should complete their fathering before age 40, by 35 if possible to prevent schizophrenia and autism. Drug companies do not having any stake in people knowing this, nor does the tobacco industry.