My genome: Is it possible to find your talents, traits and hidden talents with the help of DNA?

Genetic testing is a definite trend of recent years and its results are already being discussed at friendly meetings. Modern companies offer a set of studies for several tens of thousands of rubles, which, according to the descriptions, can replace not only several trips to the doctor and a long list of tests, but also a visit to a nutritionist. psychologist and beautician.

Yes, DNA is not just about origin and kinship, it’s also about a range of human qualities.

How is this possible and does it work in practice?

To begin with, it is worth deciding on the concept of DNA. Scientifically, it is a long chain molecule found in every cell of a living organism, which stores genetic information and transmits it from generation to generation. Translated to human (and simpler), this is a “hard disk” containing information about the structure of the whole organism. DNA testing is key to accessing this disc, allowing you to “read” yourself like a book “containing over 400 facts about a person’s unique characteristics,” said Irina Zhegulina, a leading geneticist in Atlas biomedicine. hold.

Irina Zhegulina – Lead Geneticist at Atlas Biomedical Holding

Of course, DNA tests have gained the greatest popularity due to the ability to find relatives almost all over the world. Here’s how it works in practice: “We are all believed to have a common ancestor in male and female lineages. Also, with each generation, changes (mutations) occur in the DNA that create new branches of kinship. Many people have special places (usually in laboratories) where their DNA test results are collected. The patient’s data is also entered here, and the program automatically selects people with the maximum degree of kinship. The city, the country, the continent are absolutely unimportant, you can find relatives and common ancestors on the other side of the world,” explains Natalia Khabas, doctor of the clinic of aesthetic medicine and genetics. And by the way, according to her, there is a purely scientific justification for the words “This is mine for mom or dad” There is: “It has been proven that we inherit not only eye color or physique from our parents, but also an emotion. such as humor. Or behavioral traits and tendencies.” True, as Irina Zhegulina noted, “it is unethical to determine the propensity for talents in genetic tests or to analyze the character of a person – these are largely related to the environment, the atmosphere in which the child grew up, how he was brought up, what values? and interests are instilled.”

Natalia Khabas – dermatologist, beautician, doctor of aesthetic medicine and genetics clinic CVP

At the same time, today’s genetic laboratories offer a truly wide range of services that are not limited to family ties or character analysis. For example, using the test of the biomedical holding Atlas, you can find out about the risks of diseases, check for personal intolerance to products and evaluate the likelihood of sports injuries. And Genotek’s test results add to the list of results individual response to 180 drugs, individual body’s need for vitamins and trace elements, predisposition to sports and personal nutrition. At another leading genetic center – the CVP clinic – tests can be done entirely according to one’s own needs. For example, there is a special Acne test for those suffering from inflammatory skin diseases, and they offer the HairMAX test for those who decide to take care of their hair health. And all this – without six-digit numbers in the price list. Yes, the average cost of genetic research in Moscow is about 15 thousand rubles, which is quite comparable to the prices for analysis and consultation of specialist doctors, which, according to the descriptions, DNA tests can change quite a lot. Really?

“Genetic testing is part of the great puzzle of human health and fits very well into a clear medical decision-making system. Knowing genetic traits is useful both for a patient to change their lifestyle and for the doctor to come up with an individual examination plan. And Natalya Khabas adds: ” DNA testing doesn’t prevent going to the doctor and getting tested, but it does make them more targeted. However, the advantage of genetic testing over, for example, biochemical or other blood tests is that such a test is done once and its results do not change throughout life. However, laboratory values ​​are variable.” If analyzes can show deviations based on the patient’s current condition, DNA studies will help understand why these occur, according to Atlas centre’s experts.

What will happen next? Now scientists and experts are looking to gene-editing technology as an attempt to cure a disease or increase the body’s ability to fight a disease. “Gene therapy replaces or adds a faulty gene and holds the promise of treating a wide variety of diseases. For example, cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, diabetes, hemophilia, and AIDS. The main task of this type of therapy is to help those for whom an effective drug therapy has not been developed. is to be,” says Irina Zhegulina. How will it work in practice and what results will it yield? We’ll see.