5 Applications of DNA Sequencing in Modern Healthcare
DNA sequencing is a valuable resource in modern healthcare in helping to understand genes and diseases and improve care in several ways. DNA sequencing has opened a vast range of new opportunities to create personalized medicine and improve healthcare. Below are basic applications of DNA sequencing in modern healthcare.
1. Genetic Testing
Genetic testing helps diagnose or rule out a suspect condition due to its physical mutations and symptoms. The testing can also help predict risks for specific health conditions and gather information vital in developing customized treatments based on an individual’s genetic makeup.
Genetic testing can also help with tracing family lineages through DNA paternity testing. Genetic testing will help provide information crucial for selective breeding in plants or animals. Early forms of testing in the History of DNA were also helpful, like the RFLP, which helped in forensic identification- DNA fingerprinting.
2. Linking Diseases with Genetic Factors
DNA sequencing plays a significant role in understanding genetic factors and disorders, which are crucial in promoting health and preventing diseases. It forms the cornerstone in decoding the complexities of human diseases.
Identifying genes whose variations cause diseases and further analyzing how other genes, proteins, and the environment affect them can help develop strategies crucial for prevention, diagnosis, and therapeutic. However, it’s vital to note that a genetic disposition is not a determinant of one’s health.
3. Individualized Cancer Treatments
DNA sequencing is becoming a standard tool in modern diagnosis, especially in cancer treatment. Genome testing helps identify inherited DNA alterations that may increase cancer risk. It plays a significant role in identifying driver genomes and classifying tumors, which helps determine the best treatment and targeted therapies to eliminate tumors with minimal stress on the patient. With customized precision treatment and medicine, it’s possible to provide the proper treatment at the right time.
4. Transplant Matching
DNA sequencing helps determine the sequence of bases in a DNA molecule that contains the necessary information for building and maintaining an organism. After DNA sequencing, HLA, a DNA-based typing, helps match the sequence of the patient with that of a donor to get a precise match. The technique can help find a match for bone marrow, stem cells, or organ transplants. The technology has helped increase the allograft survival rates.
5. Treatment Prescription
DNA sequencing helps a physician to analyze the patient’s genome to tailor a personalized and precise treatment prescription. The technology empowers a clinician to make an accurate and targeted prescription. With the availability of genetic prediction, it’s possible to achieve personalized and preventative medical care and prevent disease manifestation with early intervention.
Some advanced next-generation sequencing technologies can help detect disease indicators several years before diagnosis. Such a time frame is crucial for cancer treatment planning, decision-making, and initiating early personalized treatment.
Conclusion
DNA sequencing is a reliable and effective method of genomic analysis that has become fundamental in modern healthcare. The ability to sequence the entire human genome has revolutionized the field of medicine, transforming it from a technology-based discipline into an increasingly data-driven one. DNA sequencing has led to advances in personalized medicine and biomarker discovery, allowing physicians to predict and identify genes involved with disease, predict responses to treatment and assess adverse drug reactions.