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Role of genes in diseases unearthed
M. Somasekhar
Hyderabad, Jan. 10 As scientists research more on genes, the greater is the evidence that is emerging in the role they play in a wide range of human diseases.
For common man as well as the clinician, understanding this important role of genes, especially in congenital diseases has become crucial.
Genetic counselling is one area that is fast-emerging as the route to achieve this.
In India, both the disease and population diversity clubbed with low awareness, make the task of introducing genetic counselling that much difficult.
However, an Indo-US Genetic Alliance, floated in 2007, has taken up this task in a small way.
Genetic disorders
According to Dr Maya Thangavelu, Laboratory Director, Genzyme Genetics, California, “It is now established that a large number of human disorders have genetic basis. Therefore treatment, both diagnostic and therapy-based on this knowledge is fast growing.”
With the awareness about medical genetics being low among both clinicians and the people, the need for creating a pool of trained genetic counsellors is imperative.
The Indo-US Genetic Alliance, a voluntary initiative wants to take up this cause in an organised way, Dr Thangavelu told Business Line here.
Trained genetic counsellors can explain to families the issue and also interpret the results obtained from genetic diagnostic centres and hospitals.
“We plan to model the training on the lines of the US and UK, where genetic counsellors are already operating,” she said.
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