Watson and Crick 50 years on. From double helix to pharmacogenomics.
The second half of the 20th century has seen quantum leaps in our understanding of molecular biology. The technological advances, which facilitated the recent successful completion of the Human Genome Project, have provided the tools for deciphering the complexity of the human condition. At present, the function of only 50% of genes is known. However, as understanding of the human genome improves, a plethora of gene targets for treating disease will be uncovered - leading to therapies which will be considered revolutionary. Genome related science has begun to impact almost every facet of medicine including anaesthesia and intensive care. Better understanding of interindividual differences will enable better prediction of illness susceptibility as well as response to treatment. These insights will permit therapies to be tailored to individuals or racial groups. At present, there is only rudimentary knowledge of factors controlling gene regulation, but in the future, better understanding of gene-environment interactions and gene expression will enable pharmaceutical companies to develop new therapies and permit clinicians to optimise their effects, without recourse to current laborious testing regimens. As genomic science progresses, new ethical, legal, social and philosophical dilemmas will also continue to emerge.
Sweeney
B P
BP
Department of Anaesthesia, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Castle Lane East, Bournemouth BH7 7DW, UK. bpsween@aol.com
D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D015195:Drug Design; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D015894:Genome, Human; D016045:Human Genome Project; D006801:Humans; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000639:trends*; D010597:Pharmacogenetics / Q000639:trends*; D009626:Terminology as Topic
D004247:DNA