DNA based genetic disorders prediction

[issac newton]

I belong to ECE department. I know some basics of DNA structure and DNA based sensors. With a DNA in hand can we predict the genetic disorders of a person? If yes how? which part of DNA possesses the characteristics of genetic disorders ? Also by taking the DNA of a women and hybridizing it with mine is it possible to predict the genetic disorders of my child and take corrective measures before it is born. thank you.

 

[Ygggdrasil]

Most of the genetic disorders that we know about are due to mutations in the sequence of the DNA that alter how the functions of genes. For example, in sickle cell anemia, changing an adenosine in the sequence of the β-globin gene to a thymine alters the property of the β-globin such that it causes red blood cells to sickle under low oxygen conditions.

For genetic diseases whose causes are known, there are tests one can perform to check an individual's DNA for mutations that are indicative of these genetic disorders. These tests can inform potential parents of the likelihood of conceiving a child with a genetic disorder or can be performed on unborn children to inform parents of any genetic disorders their child may have. Although gene therapy could be used in theory to correct these disorders, gene therapy remains an experimental technique, and there are currently no therapies approved to correct genetic disorders in people, although some lifestyle changes may lessen the effects of certain genetic disorders (e.g. see phenylketonuria).

As DNA sequencing technology becomes cheaper, doctors may be able to diagnose genetic disorders by sequencing all of the DNA from an individual. These sequences may reveal mutations in genes that are not well studied that could cause potential genetic diseases. Predicting the effects of these mutations can be difficult, and this is an area we still need to study in order to realize the full potential of whole genome sequencing as a diagnostic tool.

 

[Monique]

As DNA sequencing technology becomes cheaper, doctors may be able to diagnose genetic disorders by sequencing all of the DNA from an individual

Exome (coding DNA) sequencing is already part of the diagnostic toolkit at my genetics department, it won't take long for it to be used more broadly at other hospitals. We're also working on sequencing the genome of unborn babies by taking some blood from the mother, but that has not yet been applied in the clinic.