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Posted on 07/08/2003 7:33:59 AM PDT by dead
The Human Genome Project has given mankind its genetic instruction book, writes Francis Collins.
Revolutions in human understanding come along once in a long while. Though one generation's revolutionary idea is often taken for granted by the next, no future generation is likely to ignore the dramatic advances in understanding of heredity - launched 50 years ago by the discovery of the structure of DNA, and culminating this year with the completion of the Human Genome Project.
The impact of the sequencing of the human genome will stretch decades into the future as medical researchers turn this treasure chest of knowledge into profound and lasting changes in human health.
Within the next decade, most of us will encounter this revolution in the doctor's surgery.
Every illness - from cancer to heart disease to diabetes - has a genetic component, and those factors are being revealed with accelerating speed. The completion of the Human Genome Project gives medical researchers the first comprehensive tool to understand the genetic anomalies that make us sick - and, just as importantly, the genetic variations that can help keep us healthy. We have, for the first time, the genetic instruction book for human biology.
But this book of 3 billion DNA letters is actually three books in one. It is a parts list for developing a human body from sperm and egg. It is a history book that contains a record of our relatedness to other members of our species and to all other living things on the planet. And it is a medical textbook that contains the clues for the understanding, prevention and cure of disease.
Although the science may seem intimidating to the uninitiated, I can tell you that genetics is really all about people. For me, as for many physicians who work in this field, the inspiration to tackle challenging genetic problems has often come from our personal interactions with courageous people afflicted with diseases who cry out for research and better options.
But what good is linking a gene with a disease? Simply put, it is our best and brightest hope for developing a truly rational approach to prevention and cure of disease.
First off, gene discovery can lead to dramatic changes in diagnostics. For example, in some families with colon cancer it is now possible to identify those at risk and make sure they gain early access to colonoscopy screening.
In another example, doctors can now differentiate between breast cancers that are likely to spread and those which are likely to be cured by surgery and radiation, based on the pattern in which genes are turned on in the tumour cells.
Genomic medicine is thus poised to make major contributions to human health. But there are also potential hazards. With genetic knowledge comes a sobering responsibility: guarding against potential misuses of genetic information and technologies that could erode or even destroy a carefully laid foundation of global trust and co-operation within, and between, societies.
Genetic privacy must be carefully guarded through legislative and other protections. Laws and procedures regulating patents and other forms of intellectual property must continue to evolve to ensure that public interest is served and protected.
And we must make sure our investigations into disease do not diminish an understanding of the importance of the environment, nor create an impression that humans are simply hard-wired machines.
We are much more than our DNA; we are also creatures with free will, with a spiritual nature, and with a knowledge of right and wrong that distinguishes us from all other creatures.
Scientists alone cannot - and should not - make major societal decisions about the proper uses of these new and powerful technologies. The human genome, and the responsibility for its benevolent application, belongs to all of humanity.
Dr Francis Collins co-ordinated the International Human Genome Project.
As a cancer survivor, I'm always interested in reading about the latest gene therapy treatments related to brain tumors. Some of the clinical trials being conducted at the top brain tumor research centers in this country are very interesting and exciting. Though I've learned to tuck the thought back into the recesses of my mind, the "fear" of my tumor starting to "act up" again is always there so I never know when I'm going to have to seek out a treatment option.
It seems the doctors are always saying, "there's going to be some amazing strides in cancer treatments during the next 5 years." With the advent of the human genome project, perhaps it's true.
Hoping and praying this project is able to help those afflicted with life-threatening, incurable and chronic diseases.
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God Bless This Man! |
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FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
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It is in the breaking news sidebar! |
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BTW, how's your bro' been?
I honestly believe that the revolution in this area is not over and that it could lead to such discoveries as I allude to in that book, which discovery turns into a major sub-plot for that World War III story in the next Volume, Volume III - High Tide, which was published this Spring.
My brother keeps plugging along and fighting, but he is getting weaker. He's been fighting hard now for almost two years and has out-lived the predictions and beat the odds thus far with the good Lord's help and a lot of prayer and faith from friends, relatives, and neighbors, but it is taking its toll. Please continue to remember him in your prayers as we do...and as we remember you in ours as well my friend. Thank you so much for aking.
Best Fregards.
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