The human genome sequence
The ability to clone and propagate fragments of DNA, along with technical advances that allow the order of nucleotide bases to be determined, has led to sequencing of the entire human genome. It may be that ultimately this information will lead to the uncovering of numerous targets for therapeutic purposes, but much additional biological and clinical research will be required on gene and protein function in living cells, whole organisms and people.
Single mutations in human genes may be responsible for certain diseases and are thus informative about molecular pathogenesis, but the genetic components of common diseases are proving more difficult to unravel, although there are early signs - for example in diabetes mellitus and Crohn’s disease - that a molecular understanding of pathogenesis in terms of genetic and environmental factors will allow for predictive testing and improved treatments.
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