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Discover the findings from mapping the gene pool of Iceland, uncovering genetic links to diseases like diabetes, heart attacks, and more. Explore the use of DNA Microarrays to test and identify critical genes for conditions such as Autism.
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The Iceland Experiment • One of the most genetically homogenous countries on earth • An attempt to map the entire gene pool of a country • Built a DNA database based on 100,000 Icelandic individuals (about half the population) from blood samples and medical records – Parliament granted access…
What they have found… • Genes that boost the risks for: • Type 2 Diabetes • Heart Attacks • Stroke • Schizophrenia • Osteoarthritis • 8/22/2012 – Study finds Father’s age (NOT Mother’s) is critical in passing on DNA mutations that lead to Autism – And, also identified 2 genes with mutations in an autism subgroup
DNA Microarrays • Aka DNA Chips or Biochips • Collection of DNA samples attached to a solid surface • Able to measure the expression of a large number of genes at the same time
Contains “probes” which are complementary DNA sequences that are known segments of a gene and are fluorescently tagged • If a DNA sample contains the target gene, it will bind with the probe and glow
Cancer and Microarrays • Scientists can use to try and determine which genes are working abnormally • DNA Microarrays allow doctors to determine both the genes involved in a patient’s cancer and the possible reaction of each patient to different drug treatments • Doctors use microarrays to determine different levels of gene expression in breast cancer patients then choose treatments based on results