Genome Project

[Guest guest]

Genome Project

Excerpts from The Seattle Times, June 27, 2000

From the start, the idea seemed deceptively simple: Identify genes

responsible for virtually any human ailment, then replace those mutant

disease-causing genes with biologically engineered healthy ones.

There seemed no limits to this new avenue of intellectual pursuit.

That was in 1985, five years away from the first gene-therapy treatment. In

retrospect, scientists now realize they were too high on hope, too low on the

appropriate biological tools to make the therapy an instant success.

What the Human Genome Project brings to molecular medicine is the core

information, where disease-causing genes reside along spiraling stretches of

DNA, the master molecule of life. Since the genome project began in 1990, an

array of disease-causing genes has been painstakingly pinpointed.

For genetic treatments to become as routine as antibiotic therapy, medical

science will need more than just the DNA addresses of mutant genes. Awaiting

to be worked out are the nuances, the fine points, of how to effectively

transfer healthy genes into defective human cells.

Future of genetic science

The rough draft of the human genome marks only the start of a long scientific

journey. It will take years for practical applications to emerge.

Possible advances in genetic science:

2002-2003: Mapping the entire human genome 100% complete

2002-2010: First tests of genetic screening against risk of cancer, diabetes

and strokes

2015: Medical treatments tailored to the genetic makeup of each individual

available

2025: Doctor able to correct genetic flaws, controlling some congenital

diseases

2050:

Many diseases cured at molecular level

Average life span reaches 90-95 years

Increased knowledge about human population and aging genes

Kat in Seattle

[Guest guest]

Yes, and someday operations will be at thing of the past, what a marvelous

accomplishment.