Progress in Genomics

Over the past 20 years, since the first draft of human genome sequence was released, genetic research has made tremendous strides, has had a major impact on our understanding of biology and disease, and continues to be a rapidly growing and exciting field. 

As genetics shifted from the determination of monogenic disorders to focusing on the entire genome, it led to the identification of genetic risk factors for a wide range of diseases and conditions, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Genetic variants that influence complex traits, such as intelligence, personality, and athletic ability, were also identified. Behavior genetics experienced rapid advancement, and there has been an exponential increase in use of direct-to-consumer genetic feedback platforms.

CRISPR/Cas9 emerged as a new tool with many potential applications, including gene therapy to treat human diseases. 

Studies of epigenetics in gene expression led to the development of new therapies targeting epigenetic mechanisms.

The sequencing of the human genome opened up the possibility of using genomic information to tailor treatments to the specific needs of individual patients. Yet, while personalized medicine has made significant strides over the past two decades, it has not yet reached its full potential in terms of widespread adoption and implementation in clinical practice. One of the reasons for this was the complexity of the genomic data and the challenges of interpreting and applying it to patient care.

Nevertheless, there was some progress and personalized medicine is expected to play an increasingly important role in healthcare in the coming years.

Here are a few of our blog posts about it:

January 3, 2023: Genetic Determinants of Aging and Longevity The contribution of genetic factors to aging is estimated at up to 30%. Recent molecular genetic methods have provided new opportunities for studying the genetic basis of human aging and longevity.

December 20, 2022: Current Trends in Deodorization The history and recent trends in the deodorant industry including tailoring skincare products to specific genetic and the potential for gene therapy and enzyme replacement therapies

December 15, 2022: Keratoacanthomas Following COVID-19 Vaccination Genetics (likely DNA repair genes) may play a factor in keratoacanthomas but genetic variants are unknown. A case of post-vaccination eruption of multiple keratoacanthomas is presented.

December 5, 2022: HLA-A*11 and vaccine-induced thyroiditis HLA-A*11, has been linked with vaccine-induced subacute thyroiditis (V-SAT) - a rare transient inflammatory thyroid disease associated with pain and tenderness of the gland, as well as many other symptoms: from anxiety to complete prostration.

November 9, 2022: Genetic predisposition to Long-COVID-like symptoms A case is presented when COVID-19-vaccine induced long-COVID-like symptoms and so did subsequent breakthrough COVID-19.

November 4, 2022: The Incidence and Effect of Adverse Events Due to COVID-19 Vaccines on Breakthrough Infections: Decentralized Observational Study with Underrepresented Groups The findings of this peer-reviewed research suggest that genetics could be responsible for many COVID-19 vaccine-induced adverse events. 

October 17, 2022: Genomics of Arrhythmias The list of genes and variations potentially associated with arrhythmia syndromes is growing.

July 8, 2022: Postvaccinal Encephalopathy The occasional incidence of acute encephalitis following vaccination may be as old as the procedure itself. First noted in 1801, it was reported after vaccination against smallpox, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), and Haemophilus. Cases of postvaccinal inflammation of the brain have been also reported after several COVID-19 vaccines. It may be related to a component of the vaccine in people with a genetic predisposition

April 30, 2022: Precision medicine for IBD A precision medicine approach discovers hidden genetic connections in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

April 20, 2022: On Cabbage and SELENBP1 Mutations in the gene encoding Selenium Binding Protein were found in multiple individuals with extra-oral halitosis.

March 19, 2022: Long COVID and Adverse Effects of Vaccination in incontinentia pigmenti Patients with certain genetics are prone to more severe COVID-19, long COVID and adverse reactions to vaccination.

February 28, 2022: Fatal outcomes in elderly patients after COVID-19 vaccination Many elderly individuals whose death was linked to the vaccine had preexisting cardiovascular diseases. Genetic predispositions could be also involved.

January 13, 2022: Young COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough fatalities Vaccine effectiveness may fail for individuals with particular genetics, and we need more studies and more medical case reports to develop personalized preventive and curative approaches.

October 23, 2020: The Many Genes of TMAU: Twenty years ago, Trimethylaminuria was linked to mutations in the FMO3 gene. As the list of associated SNPs kept growing, so was the list of other candidate genes.

June 24, 2019: Does blood type matter? Blood group types are associated with higher or lower susceptibility to specific microbes. Could ABO gene could also contribute to developing peculiar odors?

August 21, 2016: The future of Brain, Brawn and Beauty. In the future all humans will be tall and beautiful look-alikes, as in GATTACA. Or they will split into frail beauties and sturdy beasts...