Genetic analysis will tell people what to do, what field to choose for employment and even what diseases to cure.

Russian Academy of Sciences together with Moscow State University is developing a programme for studying molecular and genetic aspects of human individual nature. Humans have genetic predisposition to various diseases and activities. Development of human genetic and chemical-enzymatic portraits provides a range of opportunities for making forecasts and lowering risks of cardio-vascular diseases and cancer, for studying and preventing neurodegenerative diseases and ageing processes, for analyzing specific personality neurophysiological characteristics on the molecular level.

After close examination of genetic portrait of a just-coming-into-the-world human being experts are able to reveal following patterns: person’s predisposition to various diseases, possible inadequate (may be allergic) response to different pharmaceuticals and liability to various kinds of activities. The latter aspect can be described on the basis of molecular polymorphism (structural and chemical diversity of molecules) of human central nervous system.

Designers of said programme expect their creation to cause substantial changes in development of many medical fields and emerging new ones, so-called medicine for individuals, as well. Said programme is the first stage of providing Russian population with genetic passports, thus creating the basis for unique person’s identification. All necessary fundamental research and studies are already done – scientists succeeded in full sequencing of human genomic DNA and developed a range of research techniques (mass spectrometry, enzyme and sensor analytic technologies, for instance).

Eminent scientists expect the research to result in highly productive and unified system of analytic techniques for DNA polymorphism, proteins, enzymes (which are proteins, too), which are suitable for screening programmes.

Abovementioned techniques together with progress of genetic therapy will contribute to further improvement of gene pool of the Russian population. Another social effect of the programme is development of the foundation for occupational guidance system, based upon unbiased assessment of person’s abilities to perform a range of activities. But whether the system considers personal preferences is still unknown.

Employers of Russian Academy of Sciences and Moscow State University will have a chance to undertake molecular-genetic inspection free of charge – all they will need for that is their personal will and therapist’s referral letter. Not only medics and biologists will benefit from this project, but also historians, ethnographers (trying to shed light on origin of the human being) and Earth science professionals (studying evolution of various biological objects).

Genetic studies of this level have several possible negative aspects – existing medical system can give under the weight of knowledge about possible developing patterns of some certain diseases, moreover, problems with high posts’ appointments may arise.

Kizilova Anna.

Sources:
www.vesti.ru
www.poisknews.ru
www.iitri.org