Praachi K Verma

Genes Do Matter Are genes just a way to know your ancestry or they hold the blueprint to your past, present, and future? Let’s delve deeper into the science of discovering…YOU Who are you? If I ask you this question then most of you will start by telling your name, your age, your qualifications, your professional background, and some of you will even show your identity documents. Basically, you will share the units of your information or data about you. The whole universe runs on account of data. Data dictates the actions of cells, molecules, atoms, and even subatomic particles. An inert gas like argon will always remain heavier than air and a lion will always be a carnivore because that data is inscribed in their molecules and genes respectively. What if I tell you, your genes or your DNA, holds the reins to your past, present, and even to your future? A good deal of who you are and what you would turn out to be is already registered in your genes. Our DNA is an important determinant of many aspects of our lives like health, happiness, risk-taking, vulnerability to stress, IQ, anger, and even religious and political views, to name a few. Does that mean your genes are responsible for your anger issues, depression, beliefs, and actions? It might be overwhelming to discover how much information our genes could tell us, but it is important to understand that external factors like environment and experiences are equally influential in determining which genetic options will finally get inked. Why Genetic Data Is Important? Little pigeons can carry great messages, similarly, those strings of DNA in your blood, hair or saliva hold the key to several things you might wish to know -- like what diseases you inherit from your ancestors or the drugs that will be most effective on beating your illnesses. Let’s explore how cracking the code of DNA paves the way to a healthy life: ● To diagnose or predict a certain type of disease A genetic test helps you to identify your risk of developing the diseases linked to your genes. If certain medical conditions run in your family, a genetic test predicts if you are at a risk of developing that condition. For example, genetic tests may be helpful for predicting the likelihood of certain types of cancers. ● To determine the cause of the disease and taking necessary steps to prevent it Your test results guide your doctor and genetic counsellor to take and advise precautionary actions to prevent those diseases from occurring or to reduce their severity. The idea of having a genetic test is to catch the disease before the onset of symptoms, at a point where it is easier to manage or even stave off a disease. ● To determine treatment options for your health condition If you are suffering from any particular health condition, a genetic test can help you determine the most effective drug and its dosage for your body. ● To know your risk of passing a disease to your child If you are planning a child, a genetic test can determine if you have a disease-causing mutation that you could inherit to your child. ● To change your lifestyle and reduce your risk Genetic tests enable you to make informed decisions. Based on your test results, your doctor recommends necessary lifestyle changes to control the external factors that might trigger the onset of gene-related diseases. ● To screen your foetus or baby If you are pregnant, a genetic test can detect the abnormalities in your baby’s genes. A simple prenatal blood test is a risk-free and highly accurate method to detect cell-free DNA circulating in maternal blood, as early as 10 weeks from amenorrhea. Early information about the genetic abnormality in fetuses gives parents the confidence to decide the fate of their families. In this age driven by instant information, genetic testing is an important tool to manage our health. Have you ever wondered how it feels when the doctor says, “A brisk walk for 30 minutes thrice a week could have saved you from atherosclerosis” or “Cutting refined sugar and refined carbs from your diet could have prevented your diabetes”? In such situations, we wish to get a chance to turn back the time and with a genetic test, you give yourself the power to do so. A simple genetic test with Trugeny does exactly the same, it allows you to peek into your genetic destiny to discover your susceptibility to certain kinds of diseases. This predictive test allows you to intervene and make necessary alterations in your lifestyle to prevent those illnesses from occurring. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and that’s where the genetic testing makes the most impact. Sources: - Genes, Behavior, and the Social Environment www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK -Understanding Genetics www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/ -How is genetic testing done ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/testing -Genetic Testing /www.genome.gov