We will provide a little bit of information about the various scientific fields of study here but to better understand
this topic please go to the the beginning of the 'OMICS' section of our website and read in entirety:
http://cisncancer.org/research/what_we_know/omics/omics_revolution.html
1) Genomics
Before we discuss genomics it is important to understand how it fits into the larger
scientific field of biology, so lets start with a few definitions.
This includes the study of gene mutations, both inherited and somatic (mutations that
occur in your lifetime). It is these mutations that contribute to the development and
spread of cancer.
Genomics plays a part in nine of the ten leading causes of death in the United States (only
accidents have no genomic role). "All human beings are 99.9 percent identical in genetic makeup, but differences in the remaining 0.1 percent hold important clues about the
causes of disease." Quote from the National Human Genome Research Institute.
It is hoped that the study of genomics will help us learn why some people get sick while
others do not. A better understanding of the interactions between genes and the
environment will help us find better ways to improve health and prevent diseases.
- Genomics Looks for Patterns in DNA or RNA
Currently, work in genomics is leading to a better understanding of cancer. Eventually, it
could result in tests that predict risk of cancer, diagnose cancer or its recurrence, or used
to improve and manage treatment.
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The "Central Dogma"
"DNA makes RNA, RNA makes
protein, and proteins make
us." - Francis Crick |
Image courtesy of Genome
Management Information System,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory |
- What We've Learned So Far
One of the greatest impacts of having sequenced the human genome may well be in
enabling an entirely new approach to biological research. In the past, researchers studied
one or a few genes at a time.
With whole-genome sequences and new high-throughput technologies, they can
approach questions systematically and on a large scale. They can study all the genes in a
genome, for example, or how tens of thousands of genes and proteins work together in
interconnected networks to orchestrate the chemistry of life.
