Genomics and Proteomics for Cancer Research


The uncontrolled division of cells creates an abnormal environment in the body, leading to a condition known as cancer. It is the biggest challenge across the globe to combat this deadly condition. Every year, new cases of cancer are brought up. We lack the resources to find the exact cause of the condition and have failed to develop medicines for it. The abnormal cell proliferation further deteriorates health and makes it susceptible to other diseases. 

The estimation of cancer statistics indicates twelve million new cases of cancer every year. The survival rates of cancer patients do not exceed 50 percent. Thus, we needed some strategies to tackle this situation. The cancer therapeutic industry focused on cytotoxic agents and identified a few processes based on cell lines. However, these processes still need a lot of improvement to get a good response from the patients. Most of the medications for cancer proved to be cytotoxic, with devastating side effects. Thus, they showed less efficacy after the completion of the few cycles of therapy. Cell biologists working on cancer cells have tried targeting the cell signaling pathways. These pathways included proliferation, growth, apoptosis, metastasis, or migration of the cancer cells. Using the information from the cellular signaling pathways, rapid technologies for detecting the condition at a very early stage got a boost. These technologies included rapid DNA analysis and personalized analysis. These technologies accurately detect the susceptibility of cancer in newborn babies. Hence, right after the baby takes birth, it is possible to detect the cells susceptible to cancerous conditions and take measures accordingly. These technologies identify the genetic components responsible for causing cancer right at the molecular level. Thus, it gives a wide scope for drug design based on molecular targets. 
Cancer proteomics works well at the protein level. It also utilizes DNA microarrays. It analyzes the transcriptome data. This type of analysis helps in classifying the different types of cancers in addition to detecting unknown cancer genes. Examples include unidentified protooncogenes, oncogenes, tumor-inducing genes, and tumor suppressor genes. The analysis of the proteome data also helps in cancer studies and research.

What is skin tanning?

 What does tanning entail? There is no connection between cancer and tanning. Tannin actually occurs as your skin's reaction to the sun's rays damaging it. That explains the changes you're seeing in your skin. Additionally, avoid following sunscreen misconceptions. Sunscreens are actually bad for your skin because they are packed with chemicals. Use some natural skincare products to shield your skin from the sun's rays. Some DNA segments determine whether UV radiation from the sun causes your skin to burn, tan, or develop cancer. It is also well known that those with darker skin tones are more photosensitive. According to a recent study, skin cancer risk may be influenced by the genes that cause sunburn. 

They typically only seem to raise the risk of cancer when they mutate. Your chance of acquiring cancer is determined not only by your genetic makeup but also by your vitamin D levels. The ability of your skin to burn or tan is determined by a total of 20 gene loci. It's been proposed that your melanocytes' capacity to produce melanin, a skin pigment, following UVB exposure can also be used to measure how tanned your skin is.

Genes and skin tanning

 Are you sick of having sunburned skin whenever you go outside on a sunny day? Then, identify your genes as well as the sun's rays as the cause. According to a recent study done in London, genes also affect how your skin responds to UV radiation. The response of your skin to solar radiation is determined by your genes. It has been discovered that genetics determines whether your skin will turn reddish or tan as a result of sun exposure. Studies on these people and their risk of developing skin cancer may benefit from these findings as well. The United States and Europe account for the majority of incidences of skin cancer. 

You will undoubtedly discover that skin cancer and heredity are related when you try to define skin cancer. Mutations in damaged DNA cause the skin's cells to become malignant, which leads to the development of skin cancer. There is a misconception, though, that people who tan quickly may get skin cancer. The same holds true for people who are unable to tan readily. People who tan readily have an uncertain risk of developing skin cancer, just as people who do not tan easily have an unexpected risk. You shouldn't be concerned about skin cancer in any of the scenarios since it results from broken DNA, not from how often or intensely you tan.

Genetic Discrimination Questions



What is the law against genetic discrimination?

Recently, a federal statute guards Americans against discrimination on the basis of genetic problems from insurance companies and employment. The results of genetic tests typically identify potential diseases that may develop in the future, and employers and insurance companies have been abusing this information. For instance, individuals who indicated a potential yes due to a BRCA gene mutation were at risk of developing breast cancer in the future. These individuals abstained from applying for jobs and insurance. In order to safeguard those with genetic illnesses and predispositions from being denied insurance or their ideal employment, a separate law was passed.

  What is GINA? 

The Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act is abbreviated as GINA.

How many parts does GINA have?

GINA is divided into two sections: Title I: Prevents discrimination based on genetics in health insurance. Title II: It forbids discrimination based on genetics in the workplace. People's decision to undergo genetic testing and use the results as potential tools for treatment and disease prevention was positively impacted by GINA. This was made possible by carrying out a study in which participants identified genetic discrimination. People with genetic disorders were the study's target population. They decided on Huntington's illness. When it came to obtaining life insurance and long-term disability benefits, 40% of individuals with Huntington's disease reported facing genetic prejudice. After 15 to 20 years of genetic identification, those with Huntington's disease had an increased risk of developing chorea and other impairments. However, that does not imply that they have stopped working.

A summary on Cytogenetics

Cytogenetics is a subfield of genetics that focuses on closely examining cells and chromosomes. The grouping and counting of chromosomes, as well as an examination of their structures, numerical variations, and associated conditions, are all included in chromosomal studies. It has to do with how the chromosomes behave during the meiotic and mitotic phases. Chromosome research requires a variety of methods. Karyotyping and banding methods are examples of traditional cytogenetic techniques. Utilising cutting-edge instruments, molecular cytogenetic methods identify chromosomal abnormalities. The techniques FISH, Array-CGH, and many more aid in the study of chromosomes.

Genomics and Proteomics for Cancer Research

The uncontrolled division of cells creates an abnormal environment in the body, leading to a condition known as cancer. It is the b...