Genetic variation is the keystone to our susceptibility and resistance to diseases. Take malaria for example ‘Plasmodium vivax’, which spends its reproductive life cycle in red blood cells. The parasite cannot enter cells of individuals lacking a Duffy expression because of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter alters a binding site for the GATA-1 transcription factor. In this paper it has been summarized that there are several other genes that have been found connected to malaria susceptibility and resistance. African malarian studies have identified nearly 60 associated linkages. Covering 37 different genes and a number of genomic regions, of which 34 are significant. The procedures of finding association mapping to complex inheritance have recently become feasible given reduced costs, complex genotyping platforms and powerful statistical tools. Scientists are able to build upon greater understanding of the linkage lack of stability structure of the human genome.
Genetics cover a broad range of applications in bio-molecular genetics, biochemistry, medicine and pharmacy. Technological advancement in the future could direct the precision of many different methods. Allowing geneticists to expands their knowledge, and perhaps discover new therapeutic treatment that covers a larger spectrum of diseases at the genetic level!
Collins, A 2009, ‘Approaches to the identification of susceptibility genes’, Parasite Immunology, vol. 31, pp. 225–233.
By: Steven Garza (41716171)
Prac: 5-8pm Thursday
