DNA Chip - Genetic Testing of the Future

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Recommended: ethical issues surrounding genetic testing

DNA Chip - Genetic Testing of the Future

Many, if not most diseases, have their roots in our genes. Genes, through the proteins they encode, determine how efficiently we process foods, how effectively we detoxify poisons, and how vigorously we respond to infections. In the past 20 years, amazing new techniques have allowed scientists to learn a great deal about how genes work and how they are linked to disease. This rapid pace of discovery of genetic factors, responsible for certain diseases, has allowed scientists to genetically test asymptomatic individuals and predict their risk of certain diseases. In this paper, I am going to discuss the following areas pertaining to the topic of genetic testing:

The definition and purpose of genetic testing

Distinguishing major testing techniques with particular interest in the DNA chip

Ethical considerations regarding genetic testing, explaining views on both sides

Public policy pertaining to genetic testing and the use of the DNA chip and

My personal opinion regarding the use of the DNA chip.

Definition of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is the analysis of human DNA, RNA, chromosomes, proteins, and certain metabolites in order to detect heritable disease-related genotypes, mutations, phenotypes, or karyotypes for clinical purposes (6). There are several genetic tests currently in use which are used to look for a possible predisposition to certain diseases, as well as to confirm a suspected mutation in an individual or family. These tests vary from newborn screening, with the detection of abnormal or missing gene products to carrier testing, which allows couples to learn if they carry a recessive allele for an inherited disease and thus risk passing that allele on...

... middle of paper ...

...ited States. Obtained from the WWW:http://www.nhgri.nih.gov/ELSI/TFGT_final/

7. ISB News Report. Obtained from the WWW:http://gophisb.biochem.vt.edu/news/1997/news97.sep.html#sep9701

8. LaMendola, Bob. Lawmakers: Genetic testing alone should not impact health coverage. Obtained from the WWW:http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/2939.html

9. NAPBC Fact Sheet: "Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Risk: It's Your Choice: Obtained from the WWW:http://www.oncolink.upenn.edu/disease/breast/genetics/napbc/napbc-fact.html

10. Singh-Gasson, Sangeet et al. 1999. Maskless fabrication of light-directed

oligonucleotide microarrays using a digital micromirror array. Nature Biotechnology 17:974-978.

11. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Understanding Gene Testing. Obtained from the WWW:http://www.accessexcallence.org/AE/AEPC/NIH/index.html

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