Genomics and predictive medicine

Abstract

Progress in understanding of structural and functional human genome organization and deciphering primary DNA sequence in human cells allowed for hitherto unreachable new capabilities of medical genetics in identifying the causes and mechanisms of inherited and inborn pathology. Implementation of genetics into medicine is progressively advancing along with improvement of molecular analysis of genome. Knowledge of genome and its functions allows to provide more accurate diagnosis, predict, to a considerable extent, the presence of genetic predisposition of a person to pathology, and to assess the chances for developing one or another disease. This approach became the basis for a new area of medical genetics named predictive medicine. The progress of predictive medicine refl ects success in tremendous upgrowth of molecular genetic methods and new capabilities of studying structure and functions of genome. Within less than 15 years after deciphering genome, medical genetics has travelled a long way from a single gene analysis to whole genome studies, from screening of genetic associations to systems genetics of multifactorial diseases, from translational to high-precision genetics, and from genetic passport idea to electronic genetic health records. The development of a genetic passport, prognostic genetic testing, and genomic chart of reproductive health is especially relevant for current practical medicine.