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2008 National DNA Day Online Chatroom TranscriptThe 2008 National DNA Day Moderated Chat was held on Friday, April 25th, 2008 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern. NHGRI Director Francis Collins and genomics experts from across the institute took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy. Give Us Your Feedback on National DNA Day Activities! 2008 National DNA Day Moderated Chat Transcript - Page 1
Q: Sindhu Mahavidyalaya Centre For Biotechnology NAGPUR, INDIA in International (n/a grade teacher): Wish you all a happy DNA Day. My student has amplified defective glucokinase gene in a few families in her type 2 DM study ? Does she need to sequence the PCR products ? If so are there any such low cost sequencing facilities available ? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: If she has amplified a defective gene sequence or product then yes, it would be good to sequence the PCR products. If the gene is amplified, it may be better to look by other methods. There are low cost sequencing facilities, but you may need to check with a local university or research facility. Q: Sindhu Mahavidyalaya Centre For Biotechnology NAGPUR, INDIA in International (n/a grade teacher): In my family there are a number of cases of Diabetes among my paternal uncles. Do they need to go for gene tests ? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: Diabetes is commonly known to run in families. Genetic testing is not currently used to diagnose a predisposition to developing diabetes. Knowing your family history is an important first step for your entire family in getting early screening and taking preventive steps such as diet and lifestyle. It is important that you share this family history with your healthcare provider. To learn more about the Surgeon General's Family History Initiative go to www.familyhistory.hhs.gov. Q: Terrell High School in GA (11th grade student): The Human Genome project was completed in 2003. Seeing that we are learning more new information each day, how do we know that we are finished? A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: This is an excellent question. The reality is that it may take us awhile to be "finished" and who knows when that will be. As you pointed out, there is still much to be learned and a lot more to be discovered. The fact is that genomes are always changing, so we may never really be finished. Q: St. Ignatius College Prep in IL (12th grade student): What is the definition of a gene? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: Our official definition is that a gene is the functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein. However, the definition is still open with the recognition that many RNA's that are transcribed from DNA do not encode proteins. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (12th grade student): why is this DNA Day ? A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: Great question! DNA Day celebrates the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. It also marks the Watson and Crick description of the double helix in 1953. Q: SD Citra Kasih in International (6th grade student): HURRAYYYYYY!!!! DNA DAY!! DNA DAY ROCKS!!!!! A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: I totally agree!!!!! Q: St. Ignatius College Prep in IL (12th grade student): Can gene therapy ever cure a genetic disorder? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: Gene therapy is an experimental treatment of a genetic disorder that involves replacing, supplementing, or manipulating the expression of abnormal genes with normally functioning genes. Gene therapy has been used in research settings, but has not yet been shown to cure a genetic disorder. Q: St. Ignatius College Prep in IL (12th grade student): What is a primary purpose of junk DNA? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: Most of the genome does not encode proteins (in fact only about 2% of the genome does). However, it is clear that some of the non-coding DNA, which has often been referred to as "junk" also plays important functions such as helping regulate gene expression and functioning to help structure the DNA in the nucleus. Q: eman in International (Higher Education grade student): Hi, I'd like to know where the best place is to begin learning about genetic science? A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: You can start by visiting the National Human Genome Research Institute's website at http://www.genome.gov. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (10th grade student): How do you feel about DNA day and what is that day all about? A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: DNA Day is a day I look forward to every year! It is a chance to meet new people and new students and talk about the exciting things going on in genetics. This chatroom is especially fun. All of our scientists and researchers get together all day to answer questions about genetics from students around the country. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (11th grade student): What type of scientist are you? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: I am a molecular immunologist. Translated to English, that means I study the function of genes and proteins that are important in the immune system to help fight off infection. Much of what my laboratory studies are models of immunodeficiencies--that is diseases that prevent people from fighting infections properly (such as the boy in the bubble). Q: Shikellamy High School in PA (9th grade student): Why is it called "DNA?" A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: DNA stands for Deoxyribonucleic Acid. DNA is much easier to say. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (11th grade student): How do Genes get passed on to our kids? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: Genes from your parents can get passed on to children in several ways, called patterns of inheritance. A parent can pass on a single, dominant gene mutation that can cause a disease in a child, for example, Huntington disease. Each parent can pass on a recessive gene mutation that can cause a genetic condition such as cystic fibrosis. A parent can also pass on a gene mutation on their X chromosome that can cause a disease in a male such as hemophilia. For more information you can go to the National Library of Medicine www.nlm.nih.gov. Q: Scarlet Oaks in OH (12th grade student): What is unique about the structure of DNA? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: There are many unique things about DNA, but the most unique is the ability to be copied by virtue of the double-helix structure. Thus, each strand can be copied into an exact replicate allowing your genes to be inherited by your children. Q: Carri Wilson in MI (n/a grade other): When will discussion of the DNA day contest happen? Our science classes are outside doing schoolground cleanup for Arbor/Earth Days. A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: The winners of the American Society in Human Genetics essay contest will be announced at noon today. Stay tuned!! Q: Scarlet Oaks in OH (12th grade student): When was DNA day established?.. A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: This is the 6th DNA Day! It began back in 2003 with the completion of the Human Genome Project. Q: ABABU Center for Biological Information Technology, RAJAHMUNDRY, INDIA in International (n/a grade teacher): Why don't we talk about good human genes? Why only defective genes? A: Jean McEwen, J.D., Ph.D.: Good point - since most genetic differences among people are neither inherently "good" nor "bad" - they are just differences! In fact, some genetic variants that are associated with a particular disease make the person who has them LESS susceptible to OTHER diseases. A good example is the genetic change associated with sickle cell disease, which confers resistance to malaria. Even terms like "defective genes" or "genetic defect" are really misleading, because they suggest that people who have the "defective" variant of the gene are in some way "defective" - which is not true. ALL of us carry a number of genes that are associated with a higher risk of developing certain diseases - there are no "perfect genetic specimens"! Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (11th grade student): Why do I have alergies? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: Great question! There are many contributing factors to the development of allergies including both genetic and environmental. As more genetic studies (in particular, genome wide association studies that show association of diseases with particular gene sequences) have revealed that subtle changes in gene or promoter sequences (the sequences that control gene expression) can be associated with asthma. However, the increase in allergies and asthma in recent years argues that environmental factors also have a major contribution. There is a whole theory about childhood illness, cleanliness and increased asthma referred to as the "hygiene hypothesis". Q: North Brunswick Township High School in NJ (9th grade student): Has the completion of the genome led to any cancer cures? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: The completion of the human genome research project is leading to a whole new era of personalized medicine, especially in cancer. Genetic testing can now be done on the particular cancer cells or tumor to determine whether a specific treatment will cure the cancer. Breast cancer is an example of a type of cancer where this approach is being used to help treat the cancer. For more information about cancer and genetic treatments go to www.cancer.gov. Q: Samar in n/a (Higher Education grade other): I am a pharmacy college graduate and I'm interested in learning about genetics. How might I enter this field of science? A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: There are many fields of science that are now using genomic science. One of the best places to begin looking for the many opportunities in the field is at the National Human Genome Research Institute's website, http://www.genome.gov Q: SD Citra Kasih in International (6th grade student): What is your favorite gene? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: Oh, I couldn't even begin to answer that (certainly not without alienating some of my colleagues). Having said that, I think there are some genes that encode fascinating proteins and miRNA's that have major effects on how the immune system works and fights infection (which is my area of research and interest). Q: Mary in MA (n/a grade other): Best DNA Day ever, now that legislation has been passed that protects us from discrimination based on our genes! Do we expect the President to sign this bill? A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: Yes, I agree! This IS the best DNA Day ever, and the Senate passing the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act yesterday makes it even better. The next step is for the House of Representatives to agree and send it to the President. And yes, the President has said that if Congress could successfully pass GINA, he would sign it into law. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (10th grade student): What is your career, and do you like what you do? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: Good morning! I am an advanced practice nurse in genetics, and a genetic counselor. I have worked in a public health genetics clinic for over 20 years working with individuals and families who have or who are at risk for genetic disorders. For the past three years I have worked as a Health Educator at the National Human Genome Research Institute helping to develop programs and information about genetic and genomic advances and resources for the general public. I really like what I do! I feel that I am on the cutting edge of new research that will greatly improve our ability to screen, diagnose and treat rare and common genetic diseases. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): Is there such thing as an RNA day? A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: Not officially, no, but DNA Day celebrates all molecules related to DNA. Q: St. Ignatius College Prep in IL (12th grade student): Is it likely that within the next 50 years we will be able to pick and choose at least some of the traits of our offspring? A: Jean McEwen, J.D., Ph.D.: Probably - but the even more important question is under what circumstances, if any, it is ethical to do this. There is arguably an important ethical difference between using pre-implantation genetic diagnosis to try to avoid the birth of a child who will suffer from a serious, debilitating genetic disorder and using this technology in an effort to control traits like hair or eye color. And the idea that such technologies could be used in an effort to produce "designer babies" (for example, children with exceptional intelligence) is really pretty silly, since we know that behavioral traits like intelligence are influenced by many, many factors besides genes. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): What did you have to major in to become a molecular immunologist? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: I majored in Biochemisitry and Molecular Bology and did an MD-PhD with a PhD with Molecular Biology. I recommend not specializing too early--a good broad background in molecular biology and genetics will allow you to follow your interests in many areas and take advantage of the latest advances in genomic research.
Q: Shikellamy High School in PA (9th grade student): How did they discover that genes even exist? A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: The discovery of genes is most often credited to Gregor Mendel who was an Austrian monk working in the late 19th century. Mendel studied how various traits in pea plants were passed from the plants to their progeny. It took many,many more years until researchers discovered DNA and what the genes look like. Q: North Brunswick Township High School in NJ (9th grade student): My cousin is trying to have a baby. She has been diagnosed with PCOS: Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome. Is there a genetic cause? A: Donna Krasnewich, M.D., Ph.D.: Most researchers think that poly cystic ovary syndrome runs in families. Women who have this disorder tend to have a mother or sister who has poly cystic ovary syndrome. However, there is no proof that it is inherited. Q: Shikellamy High School in PA (9th grade student): Is DNA pretty? A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: It all depends on how you describe pretty. I would certainly describe DNA as amazing. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (10th grade student): What are you doing to celebrate DNA Day? A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: There are lots of things that happen on DNA Day. Many of our NHGRI researchers travel out to schools around the country to talk about the latest in genetics, and to talk about their own career paths. We also host this chatroom every year. Other organizations also participate in DNA Day and make DNA Day shirts, food, and lots of other activities! Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): How do viruses replicate without having DNA? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: There are many different types of viruses, some of which are encoded by RNA, not DNA. Thus, RNA is their genetic material. RNA viruses replicate using their own RNA polymerases. One fascinating set of viruses are the retroviruses and lentiviruses, which have an RNA genome in the virion, but are copied into a DNA copy via an enzyme called reverse transcriptase. The DNA copy is inserted into the host genome, which can cause cancer in some cases by integrating near "oncogenes". The "proviral" DNA is then copied like any other gene by cellular enzymes. The fascinating thing about viruses is that they have evolved all sorts of mechanisms to replicate. They have been around alot longer than us and will outlast and outbeat us.
Q: SD Citra Kasih in International (6th grade student): What is Fragile X? A: Donna Krasnewich, M.D., Ph.D.: Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems including learning disabilities and mental retardation. Usually, males are more severely affected by this disorder than females. Many males with fragile X syndrome have characteristic physical features that become more apparent with age. These features include a long and narrow face, large ears, prominent jaw and forehead, unusually flexible fingers, and enlarged testicles (macroorchidism) after puberty. Fragile X syndrome occurs in approximately 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females. For more information about Fragile X syndrome go to the National Library of Medicine web site at www.nlm.nih.gov Q: Sindhu Mahavidyalaya Centre For Biotechnology NAGPUR, INDIA in n/a (Higher Education grade student): Human genome project has been over, what next? A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: I would say the the Human Genome Project is not really over. We continue to find out more and more about the genome everyday. Although the majority of the sequencing has been completed, the elucidation of the human genome still continues. The original goals of the Project have been meant, but the work is just beginning. Q: China Medical University. in n/a (Higher Education grade student): How to chose a lab that suits me? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: It is important to chose a lab with work that excites you and also with people that you enjoy. Science is hard work, but it is incredibly exciting and you want to be excited about the work you do. Q: North Brunswick Township High School in NJ (9th grade student): In the video made for Nova on Cracking the Code of Life, patents were issued for sections of the genome. Are these patents still getting in the way of research? A: Jean McEwen, J.D., Ph.D.: The evidence is still a bit unclear about the extent to which DNA patents are actually hindering the progress of genetic research, but there is no question that at least in some cases, the existence of patents may be an impediment to genetic discoveries. Researchers worry about confronting a patent "thicket" that will impede their ability to build on discoveries already made without having to negotiate complicated licenses or having to worry about expensive litigation. The Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) Program at NHGRI supports research to assess the extent to which DNA patenting is hindering research, and to explore possible alternative approaches to patenting that will protect the legitimate proprietary interests of researchers who make novel genetic discoveries while at the same time promoting the interest of the public. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (11th grade student): Why do people get allergies? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: The tendency to develop allergies is often hereditary, which means that it can be passed down through your genes. However, just because a parent or sister/brother has allergies, that doesn't mean that you will definitely get them, too. A person doesn't usually inherit a particular allergy, just the likelihood of having allergies. Q: Scarlet Oaks in OH (12th grade student): What is gene expression? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: Gene expression is when a gene is turned on, that is when a gene is copied into RNA. That RNA copy can be translated into proteins or function as RNA's on their own. Gene expression can also refer to what genes are turned on in a given cell (ie what RNA's are made in a given cell).
Q: North Brunswick Township High School in NJ (9th grade student): When a mistake like Tay Sachs disease occurs, is it possible to change the one base pair that is wrong? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder that is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that a person who has Tay-Sachs disease inherited a gene mutation from each parent. It is not possible, at this time, to change or correct a gene mutation that causes the disease. Q: Shikellamy High School in PA (9th grade student): How many people have DNA? A: Samir Kelada, Ph.D., M.P.H.: Everyone has DNA!! It's the "code" that we all have to give us instructions for life, like everyday biology that goes on in our bodies. Not just people like us have DNA. Every living organism does - animals, plants, fish, you name it! Q: Abbeville High School in SC (5th grade student): Does DNA make people mean? A: Jean McEwen, J.D., Ph.D.: We do not know of any genes that make people mean, and it is very unlikely that we ever will, because being mean is a moral shortcoming -- not a biological one. We are learning more and more about genes that influence other aspects of human behavior, but all behaviors are very complex and are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Q: Kittanning Senior High School in PA (9th grade student): What types to of jobs are there in the DNA research? A: Alan Guttmacher, M.D.: There are many, many types of jobs involving DNA research. They include everything from working in a lab to figure out how DNA functions, to bioinformatics, to clinical medical research that figures out how variations in DNA affect health, to research about the ethical questions that knowledge of our DNA brings up. In fact, one of the neat things about DNA is how many types of issues it brings up, since it is involved so importantly in who we are as a species and as individuals. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): What is the diffrence in DNA and RNA? A: Samir Kelada, Ph.D., M.P.H.: The difference between DNA and RNA is that DNA is the "source code" that provides all the basic instructions for life. RNA is structurally like DNA but it represents the intermediate between DNA and proteins. Proteins, you may know, are the things that carry out most of the biological processes in our bodies. So the general order of things is: DNA, which is read like code to produce RNA, which is then translated to make proteins, which carry out biological processes. Q: Our Lady of Lourdes Academy in FL (11th grade student): What is the most harmful substance to our DNA? A: Don Hadley, M.S., C.G.C.: That's a great question. I don't think we know the answer to your question. We do know that certain substances are harmful to DNA in that they have the potential to change it's basic structure which can lead to greater risks to develop certain diseases. For example, high doses of radiation can cause changes in our DNA and may lead to risks for certain types of cancers. There are many other harsh chemicals that can also increase risks. Unfortunately, we don't the "most" harmful substance. Q: Pentacostal Holiness Baptist AME High School in SC (10th grade student): What is the difference between mRNA and tRNA? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: DNA is copied into mRNA which is the template for protein synthesis. Each set of three nucleotides in the mRNA stands for a specific amino acid which will be used in building a protein. A tRNA is the structural RNA that recognizes/reads that 3 base code and attaches the proper amino-acid to a protein during translation, the process by which a mRNA is translated into a protein product. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): What kind of work do you do? A: Erin Ramos, Ph.D., M.P.H.: Hi there - I am an epidemiologist. That means I try to identify the factors that cause complex diseases like Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. Q: Jeffrey Boyer in PA (9th grade student): Why did you pick today to be DNA Day? A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: Today is DNA Day because it is a celebration both of completing the Human Genome Project in 2003, and of Watson and Crick's description of the double helix in 1953. Q: Query in n/a (n/a grade other): What would you do if you learned from genetic mapping that you have a 15% higher chance of developing type 1 diabetes? No more chocolate cake? Eliminate all stress? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: If I learned from a genetic mapping test that I had a 15% chance to have Type 1 diabetes, I would definitely change my diet and any other lifestyle habits that would contribute to my developing the condition. I would go to see a dietitian who can help me work out a specific diet plan that I can follow, and make sure that I get regular exercise. I would also make sure that I saw my health care provider regularly to get screened for the disease. I would miss the chocolate cake! Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (11th grade student): Could scientists look at your DNA and find anything that's wrong with you? If so, can scientists use that to predict any future problems in a persons life? A: Jean McEwen, J.D., Ph.D.: We don't yet know nearly enough about DNA and how genes work for scientists to be able to "find anything that's wrong with you" just by looking at your genes. Even when we understand much more than we do now about the genetic factors that influence health, we will still be a long, long way from being able to predict all future problems in a person's life, because most health conditions result from a complicated interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Genes alone do not "determine" anybody's future health. Q: Lighthouse Christian Academy in SC (12th grade student): Hey Dr. Alan Guttmacher! What color is DNA? A: Alan Guttmacher, M.D.: DNA in its native state is essentially colorless. We often represent each of the four bases that make up DNA as having specific colors, but that is just to allow us to depict things in away that is easy to discern at a glance. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (11th grade student): What do you do for a living and where are you located. A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: I run a research laboratory at the National Institutes of Health, the largest research institute in the world and an incredibly exciting and important place to work (located in Bethesda, MD). My lab works on molecular immunology, or studies of genes and proteins that help regulate the immune system and how it fights infection. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): How many years of schooling (after high school) is typical for becoming a geneticist? A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: It all depends on the field of genetics you pursue. Programs all vary in their length of time and amount of schooling after college. There are those who choose to pursue graduate degrees after college and these programs can take about 4 to 7 years more or less. If you are interested in a clinical career in genetics, you could attend medical school, enroll in a nursing program or a physicians assistants program. Q: Kannapolis Middle School in NC (7th grade student): does dna kill people somtimes A: Alan Guttmacher, M.D.: Hmmm...almost all of us eventually die from some disease, and that disease is almost always due to the interplay of genetic factors (variations in our DNA) and environmental factors. So, in a way, DNA kills almost all of us. Of course, first it allows us all to live and be the individuals who we are. Q: SD Citra Kasih in International (6th grade student): Why is DNA Day NOT a National Holiday? A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: That is a great question! And it would be wonderful to have the day off. But if we did, we couldn't be here answering your questions! Q: Terrell High School in GA (11th grade student): Do scientists now think RNA may influence heredity more than was once thought? A: Samir Kelada, Ph.D., M.P.H.: That's a great question! Indeed scientists do now think RNA influences heredity more than was once thought. Quite recently, new kinds of RNA have been discovered that can modify the expression of a gene and the initial development of an organism. Researchers won the prestigious Nobel prize for this discovery.
Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (12th grade student): What is your career? A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: I am a Science Educator for the National Human Genome Research Institute. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (12th grade student): What do you do every day in your job? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: I run a research laboratory studying molecular immunology or studies of genes and proteins that regulate how we fight infection. As the head of the lab, I help plan the direction for the work with my wonderful staff and colleagues and spend a fair amount of time discussing experiments and plans. I also spend a fair amount of time training and teaching people in my lab and the public, working on science policy and answering emails! I love my work. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): Is the "Boy in a Bubble" an accurate treatment? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: At one time, completely controlling the environment of someone who was born with no immune system was a way to treat this disorder. This not a realistic treatment, however. In recent years, new treatments have been developed and these include bone marrow transplantation, and stem-cell transplantation in babies before they are born. Gene therapy has been tried; however, some people developed complications so that research studies using this approach in the United states have been suspended. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (11th grade student): How do researchers know when there is a problem in a gene? A: Belen Hurle, Ph.D.: Good question! Sometimes the problem causes a very obvious condition, such an physical abnormality or a metabolic illness. Sometimes the problem is very subtle and goes unnoticed. In some instances, the researcher knows something is wrong, but they don't know what gene is defective yet. However, if the problem has been well researched there could be a clinical test available that can be run to confirm what gene is responsible for the problem. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): What happens to DNA when someone dies? A: Samir Kelada, Ph.D., M.P.H.: That's a fun question! Like all things biological, DNA will degrade over time. But remarkably, DNA is actually quite resistant to degradation compared to other biological things like RNA and protein. So, researchers can actually extract DNA from deceased people who have been dead for a long time. They've even been able to extract DNA from extinct Neanderthals that have been frozen in glaciers for thousands and thousands of years! This is especially useful for studies of evolution. Q: ABABU Center for Biological Information Technology, RAJAHMUNDRY, INDIA in International (Higher Education grade student): Is it ethical to test human genes? A: Erin Ramos, Ph.D., M.P.H.: That is a really great question. We are learning so much about how variation in our genes increases risk for certain diseases. So, testing our genes might provide useful information and help us treat certain diseases. However, it is very important to be cautious with these genetic tests. People who have their genes tested need to understand the risks and the benefits of knowing their risk for disease.
Q: Scarlet Oaks in OH (11th grade student): how, if there is a way, can you cure a genetic disorder like, CF A: Alan Guttmacher, M.D.: First, we usually try to treat the disease - that is, to find away to combat its symptoms effectively. However, a true "cure" - that is, essentially making the disease a thing of the past for the affected individual, is often the ultimate goal. For diseases like CF that are due to specific variations in specific genes, one way to effect a cure is to modify the "abnormal" gene to make it function like a normal copy. This is so-called "genetic engineering" or "gene therapy." However, gene therapy is much more complicated than once thought. I expect that your generations will make it a reality, however, so think about a future in genetics research... Q: Charlotte Latin School in NC (6th grade student): When did America officially start celebrating DNA day? A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: DNA Day first began in 2003 with the completion of the Human Genome Project. It has been going strong ever since! Q: Kannapolis Middle School in NC (7th grade student): How did computers help complete the genome project? A: Larry Thompson, M.S., M.F.A.: Computers were critical for mangaging the massive amounts of information information that were generated the DNA sequencing machines. Each "read" from a sequencing machine was like one small piece of a very big puzzle. The computers, using specially created software, figured out how to assemble the DNA puzzle pieces into a picture of the whole human genome. This fascinating field is called bioinformatics and it's a great career if you are interested in solving puzzles. Q: Shikellamy High School in PA (9th grade student): Do you have to know about DNA to be a nurse? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: As a result of human genome research we are learning that genes play a role in rare and common diseases. Also, genetic testing is now being used to find out whether a particular medicine or dose of medicine will work for a patient. This is called personalized medicine. Nurses administer medications and educate patients about their disease and treatments, so having knowledge of DNA and basic genetics is becoming increasingly important for nurses. There are now specific nursing competencies in genetics and genomics that are being taught in nursing school. Q: Daniel in NC (7th grade student): How long is DNA? A: Samir Kelada, Ph.D., M.P.H.: Human DNA is 3 BILLION letters long! That's a lot of letters. These 3 billion letters are divided into chromosomes, each of which contains letters that spell out certain RNAs and proteins. We all have 23 pairs of chromosomes, and some are long and some are short. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (11th grade student): What inspired you do study science? A: Belen Hurle, Ph.D.: Curiosity, the desire to know how living creatures function. Also fascination for microscopes, the idea of seeing the invisible was so cool to me. Finally a great biology teacher in high school open my eyes to genetics -- I have been focused in this area of science ever since. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (10th grade student): What college did you attend? A: Erin Ramos, Ph.D., M.P.H.: Hi there. I went to Penn State University for my Bachelors degree in Biology. Then, I went to the University of Washington in Seattle to earn my Ph.D. in the field of Public Health Genetics. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): What is the purpose for chromatin uncoiling and coiling during prophase? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: Chromatin needs to uncoil during mitosis in order for DNA to replicate. During prophase, chromosomes re-condense in order for them to start the process of separation which will be mediated by centromeres binding to kinetochores via microtubules. Q: Samar in n/a (Higher Education grade student): What is bioinformatics? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: Bioinformatics refers to handling the information related to biological research. In this age of computers, you won't be surprised that biologists use computers to store and analyze the results of their research. For the field of genomics, computers are and have been essential in handling the huge amounts of data that are generated from DNA sequencing and other genetic approaches. Imagine the Human Genome Project - one human genome is 3 billion bases or 3 billion bits of data, which was sequenced about 8 times over to get it right (~24 billion bits of data). Then you add the gene information and other forms of annotation. It has to be stored, described and analyzed. For each genome, this is done. Basically this kind of research wouldn't happen without computers and bioinformaticists. Q: Kannapolis Middle School in NC (7th grade student): are you a nerd? A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: Well, I might be a bit nerdy; I enjoy learning about the latest in science and get excited when cool things happen in genetics. But I'm a big fans of nerds, we make the world go round... Q: ABABU Center for Biological Information Technology, RAJAHMUNDRY, INDIA in International (Higher Education grade student): What is genetic counseling? What qualifications do I need to practice it? A: Don Hadley, M.S., C.G.C.: Genetic counseling is a profession that focuses on helping individuals and their families to understand the genetic or inherited basis of a disease that they have or is in their family. GCs also assist families in sorting through the information from a psychological and social basis in order to help them make decisions about genetic testing, reproductive options, prenatal testing and a multitude of other issues that they may face as they learn about genetic risk and available genetic technologies. I would encourage you to go to the web site of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) to learn in greater detail about the professional. An official definition for GC exists their as well. This site also provides stories about GCs and paths they have taken in becoming a GC. To be a GC, one must complete a receive a graduate degree (masters of science) from a graduate program that is accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). ABGC has it's own web site which lists the GC graduate programs that are fully accredited. You can either go to ABGC directly (www.ABGC.net) or reach it through the NSGC web site. Good luck. We can use more interested people in our profession. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (11th grade student): Does malaria make sickle cells stop growing? Is there a way for scientists to use sickle cells to cure aids, or stop it from growing? A: Donna Krasnewich, M.D., Ph.D.: You ask a very good question. There appears to be evidence that cells that carry sickle cell hemoglobin do not get as easily infected with malaria. The mechanism appears to be that malaria carries enzymes (working proteins) that break down normal hemoglobin but it has a harder time breaking down sickle cell hemoglobin. So people with sickle cell disease have a resistance to malaria. As for using sickle cell to cure aids, I do not know a strategy currently being used in that direction. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): How much research is being done to associate genes with fetal alcohol syndrome and drug-related disorders? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: There is research being done on the effects of alcohol on the fetus during pregnancy. You can always check the National Institutes of Health Clinical Trials at www.clinicaltrials.gov to find the specific research on fetal alcohol syndrome and drug-related disorders. Q: Shikellamy High School in PA (9th grade student): Why is the structure of DNA so important anyway? A: Samir Kelada, Ph.D., M.P.H.: That's a great question! And a hard question too! One answer to this question is that the structure of DNA, which was discovery in 1953, actually tells us a lot about how it works. There are two strands of DNA that are interwoven, and each strand is used as a source or template to copy the DNA to future cells. On a historical note, today is a celebration of the discovery in 1953, a really remarkable scientific accomplishment. And we also celebrate the completion of the sequencing of the human genome today. Q: Sharda, India in n/a (Higher Education grade student): How much contribution of DNA is there for controlling human behavior? A: Erin Ramos, Ph.D., M.P.H.: Thanks for your question. Human behavior is very complicated. Genes, which are made up of DNA, probably have some influence on certain human behaviors . However, the environment and other non-genetic factors probably play an even bigger role. Q: Therizino in International (6th grade student): What is Fos and Jun? A: Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: Fos and Jun are two transcription factors, that is they bind certain DNA sequences called promoters that regulate gene expression (ie they "turn on" genes). Fos and Jun are among the first transcription factors that get activated when cells are stimulated to divide. Interestingly, both Fos and Jun were first discovered as oncogenes picked up by acutely transforming retroviruses. Many genes regulating important cellular processes were first discovered this way. Q: Preeti Govindas, M.Sc, SMV Center for Biotechnology in n/a (Higher Education grade student): Besides sequencing, what are the alternate methods to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms in a DNA? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: Yes. There are other ways to detect SNPs, called genotyping. Using DNA's ability to complementarily bind to itself, scientists can design screens to find differences between two pieces of DNA. In other words, if the pieces bind, then no SNP. If they don't bind, then a SNP is detected. Q: East Hickman County High School in TN (10th grade student): How does the new DNA nondiscrimination act assist my future? A: Alan Guttmacher, M.D.: Great question. I was lucky enough yesterday to be in the Senate gallery to watch the debate and witness the historic 95-0 vote by which the Senate passed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). We expect the House, which passed a similar bill earlier this year by a vote of 420-3, to concur with the Senate bill next week and the President to sign it soon afterwards. GINA essentially prevents health insurers and employers from forcing anyone to have a genetic test or to use information about an individual's genetic makeup to set rates, decide who to hire or fire, etc. Perhaps most importantly, GINA will allow people in the future to use information about their individual genetic makeup to improve their health, without fear that this knowledge will backfire by being used against them in health insurance and employment. This is particularly important for people in your generation, since by the time you are old enough to be developing the serious conditions that become common in middle age, we should know a lot about how specific variations in genetic makeup affect health. It is reassuring to know that, after over a dozen years of waiting to see GINA pass, we appear now to be only one week or so away from having it protect us all. Q: Shikellamy High School in PA (9th grade student): Can some people have the same DNA? A: Belen Hurle, Ph.D.: Identical twins are the only ones that theoretically are born with identical DNA. But even they are not totally identical. While in the womb the environment can be such that they are developing differently. They also accumulate differences at the DNA level due to environmental influence over the years. For instance imagine that one likes to tan and the other doesn't: the one that tans frequently may end up with DNA damage due to ultraviolet light resulting in skin cancer. Did you know that identical twins don't have the same fingerprints? Q: SD Citra Kasih in International (6th grade student): Is Severe Combined Immunodeficiency worse than immunodeficiency? A: Donna Krasnewich, M.D., Ph.D.: Immunodeficiency refers to the inability of the body to fight off infections well. Severe Combined Immunodeficiency or SCID is a type of immunodeficiency. There are many types of immunodeficiency and SCID one of the most severe. There is currently research going on to help these affected children's bodies fight off infection, there is still alot of work to do to understand this disorder and help the children feel better. Q: Scarlet Oaks in OH (11th grade teacher): I have started a new biotechnology program here at Scarlet oaks and have been telling the students about the job opportunities in this field. Could you elaborate on the types of jobs out there for this field A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: There are a number of jobs opportunities available. Bioinformatics is a really hot field and perfect for those individuals who have both biology and informatics interests. Also, there are always careers in research, but fields like pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics are emerging. They also can consider careers in fields that pertain to the ethical, legal, and social implications of genetics and genomics. Many clinical opportunities exist and there is a great need for genetic counselors. Overall, there really are a lot of job opportunities for high school students to consider as they think about their futures and the careers they could pursue in genetics and genomics . Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (12th grade student): What made you go into this career? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: I have always loved biology. I also love math. Since much of genetics is math, I was drawn to it. I spent some time in the lab, but found I didn't want to stay there as a career. So, now I am a government bureaucrat. I help to figure out how to fund the best scientific research possible. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): What causes one allele to be dominant over another? A: Samir Kelada, Ph.D., M.P.H.: Nice question! One allele is dominant over another often because the mutation causes the resulting protein act in a way that disturbs or inhibits the function of the other, normal allele. This is often called a "dominant negative" effect. Often proteins need to work in pairs (or in larger numbers), and if the mutant protein pairs with partner proteins better than the normal one but as a result disrupts normal function of this protein group, you get this kind of effect. This is not always the case. Sometimes, as you probably know already, there are recessive effects (where you need two mutations to cause dysfunction) and some that are co-dominant, where both alleles exert their effects. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (12th grade student): Why does science interest you? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: I really love how the natural world works. To me, it's fascinating that all these species exist in the world and interact with each other and the environment. Biodiversity to me its beautiful. Q: Kannapolis Middle School in NC (7th grade student): What is the Genome project? A: Alan Guttmacher, M.D.: You probably are referring to the "Human Genome Project" which officially began in October, 1990 and ended on April 14, 2003. The ultimate goal of this international project - which ended ahead of schedule and under budget - was to sequence the DNA that makes up the human genome. That was achieved on April 14, 2003. While the Project, itself, is officially over, we are now in the midst of the really exciting and even more important work of figuring out how the genome functions and how it affects our health. Q: Wright Business School in OK (Higher Education grade student): Can you change my DNA so that I have special powers? A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: What kind of special powers would you like? The ability to scale walls? Or the ability to shoot lasers from your eyes? Super abilities through DNA will most likely continue to be limited to movies like Spider Man and X-men. Right now the focus on genetic research at the NHGRI has to do with maximizing the potential in our genetic code that already builds the amazing human body. Q: Kannapolis Middle School in NC (7th grade student): Is Duke University a good collage to lean about D.N.A A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: Duke University is an excellent university with wonderful programs in the sciences. I am sure that you would learn a lot about DNA there. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (12th grade student): If you have too many chromosomes, why do you have down syndrome? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: A person who has Down syndrome has an extra number 21 chromosome. Another name for Down syndrome is trisomy 21. There are other genetic conditions that involve extra or missing chromosomes such as Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18 and Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY). Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (12th grade student): Why are some traits such as sickle cell hiden during some generations? A: Don Hadley, M.S., C.G.C.: Genetic conditions like Sickle Cell Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Tay Sachs Disease, Phenylketonuria and many others are inherited in a way that is referred as autosomal recessive inheritance. In short, this means that a person has the disease if they receive one copy of the gene that carries the mutation from BOTH parents. If a person only has one copy, they do not express the symptoms of the disease. So, parents of an affected person usually only have one copy of the gene that contains the mutation and one "normal" copy. THey, therefore, don't show any symptoms. It's not unusual for persons who have a autosomal recessive diseases to question, "how can this be inherited? No one else in my family has this disease!" I would encourage you to go to the NHGRI website and use the Talking Glossary to hear more examples and explanations about mechanisms of inheritance. (genome.gov) Great question. Thanks for asking. Q: Preeti Govindas, M.Sc, SMV Center for Biotechnology in n/a (Higher Education grade student): With the help of DNA is it possible to bring back extinct species like the mammoth? A: Belen Hurle, Ph.D.: Funny that you ask! Just a couple of years ago researchers successfully read long stretches of mammoth DNA extracted from fossil bones. In fact, there is a whole electronic database of DNA from extinct animals and plants. Querying the information they were able to collect the investigators were able to deduce interesting facts, such as that mammoth's fur was of different colors. But bringing back the species is a science fiction scenario with the current technology. Q: Fort Dorchester High School in SC (10th grade student): How can knowledge of DNA cure cancer? A: Donna Krasnewich, M.D., Ph.D.: One of the main issues with cancer is that cancer cells do not know when to stop growing. If scientists could figure out which genes in the DNA are involved in why these cells grow so out of control and figure out how to stop it that would certainly be a good therapy for cancer. The other problem with cancer cells is that they invade or metastasize to healthy tissues. Scientists are also working on finding genes that control this invasion and ways to stop it as well. Thank you for asking such a great question. Q: Kannapolis Middle School in NC (7th grade student): Why do you use microscopes? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: I use microscopes so I can see things that are too small to see with my eyes. There is a lot going on in the microscopic world. Did you know that your body contains more cells from microscopic creatures than from your own cells? Q: Kannapolis Middle School in NC (7th grade student): What is protien? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: A protein is a molecule in living things that make up tissues and perform chemical reactions in the body. It is made up of amino acids and is coded by DNA. In other words, DNA has the information need to make a protein. Q: Shikellamy High School in PA (9th grade student): Was it hard for you to learn about DNA? A: Samir Kelada, Ph.D., M.P.H.: Some things about DNA were hard for me to learn. There are some things that are obvious and stand out. But other things are more subtle, like how DNA is actually controlled in how it's read by it's complicated structure. DNA is of course a very long string of base pairs, which is tethered to a backbone structure, and this is all wrapped around proteins (called histones) to make it compact enough to fit in the nucleus of a cell. This wrapping around proteins is not random, and it actually determines if the DNA will be transcribed or kept silent. That was hard for me to learn. Q: Kannapolis Middle School in NC (7th grade student): Why is DNA important? A: Belen Hurle, Ph.D.: It is the manual of instructions that spells how are you build, how does your body works, and who are your parents. It also holds information on your risk factors for disease that can be used to keep you healthy. I would say that is pretty important (and cool). Q: Athens High School in AL (11th grade student): How far along are we in really knowing everything there is to know about DNA? A: Alan Guttmacher, M.D.: It's hard to know, since the more we know about DNA the more we realize how much more there is to know. For instance, the ENCODE project (http://www.genome.gov/10005107) has told us much new about how DNA functions, but has also made it clear that its function is more complex than we thought even recently. I hope that your generation will be involved in finally figuring out all there is to know about DNA - a very intriguing and important mystery to solve. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): Where do you start when you begin to research a trait or gene? What are the usual steps for the research? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: One way to look for a gene associated with a trait is to find a population (a group of people for example) that have a certain trait (say, a disease) and then find the genetic sequences in common in those people. This may sound simple, but it is hard research to do. Q: Scarlet Oaks in OH (11th grade student): Are there genes in water? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: Not if the water is pure. However, if you take water from a lake, you might just find some organisms in there with genes of their own. Q: Kannapolis Middle School in NC (7th grade student): Is their a gene that causes breast cancer? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: Research studies indicate that genetic factors have a role in susceptibility to breast cancer. There are a number of autosomal dominant inherited genes that are known to cause hereditary breast cancer. These include BRCA1, BRCA2 gene mutations. Genetic testing is now available for families with hereditary breast cancer so that family members can learn whether they have inherited one of these genes. For more information about genes and breast cancer you can go to www.cancer.gov. Q: Liberty Jr.Sr. High School in PA (10th grade student): Who's DNA was used for the human genome project. A: Larry Thompson, M.S., M.F.A.: When the public Human Genome Project was lauched, the researchers decided not to have the DNA come from a single individual. Instead, one of the researchers working on the project put an advertisement in the local newspaper in upstate New York to get volunteers to donate some blood and then extracted DNA from the white blood cells of several anonymous volunteers. So, no one actually knows whose DNA was seqeunced in the original Human Genome Project -- and it doesn't really matter because it is a reference sequence for all of us and we know that we all differ by some one-tenth of a percent so no single individual's DNA would make a perfect reference sequence anyway. Q: Kannapolis Middle School in NC (7th grade student): Who is Gregor Mendal and what did he do? A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: Gregor Mendel is often known as the father of genetics. He was an Austrian monk in the 19th century who studied the transfer of physical traits from pea plants to their progeny. He is often credited with the discovery of genes. In fact, a whole approach to examining genetics, Mendelian Genetics, is named after him. Pretty cool! Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (11th grade student): Can you explain to me how do you do your job? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: My office's role is to fund research. So, I am not in a lab, but I work to support labs that conduct research. I attend a lot of meetings, do a lot of thinking and get to interact with a lot of great people. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (12th grade student): what made you want to become a scientist? And how do it feel to help people? A: Alan Guttmacher, M.D.: In fact, what made me want to be a scientist was, most of all, the desire to help people (and, also, that I am curious and interested in finding out things that no one has ever known before). It is an incredibly wonderful feeling when you are part of a scientific team that discovers some information than then translates into helping people - for instance, by leading to a new cure for a disease or even a way to prevent the disease from occurring. It is hard for me to imagine anything that can be satisfying as doing work that you know is helping other people. Of course, many jobs allow you to do that, but scientific and medical research is certainly among them. Q: SD Citra Kasih in International (6th grade student): What is Autism? I heard it is caused by Fragile X and Phenylkentonuria A: Don Hadley, M.S., C.G.C.: According to the National Autism Association, Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction, communication skills, and cognitive function. Individuals with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Autism is diagnosed four times more often in boys than girls. Its prevalence is not affected by race, region, or socio-economic status. Since autism was first diagnosed in the U.S. the occurrence has climbed to an alarming one in 150 people across the country. Autism can result from many different causes and can include Fragile X syndrome, as well as other genetic conditions. We suspect that it may also have an environmental component, meaning that certain environmental conditions or exposures can increase the chance that a person will develop autism. It is a complex disorder that may involve both genetic and environmental causes. Q: Liberty Jr.Sr. High School in PA (10th grade student): Could you give a brief explanation of the epigenome? A: Samir Kelada, Ph.D., M.P.H.: I'm impressed that you asked about the epigenome. If DNA is the words in a book, then the epigenome is the way all the words are packed up into pages, chapters, and the whole book. To be more scientific, the epigenome consists of different ways in which DNA is packaged, be it different styles of wrapping up the DNA onto histone proteins, whether the DNA is "marked" by tags (methylation tags) that signal to transcribe (or not) the DNA, and more. Recently it has been shown that the epigenome has a strong effect on traits we used to think were caused by DNA. Twins, who have identical DNA sequence, can have different epigenomes, resulting in different features (slight differences in the way they look, for example). Q: Athens High School in AL (12th grade student): Does studying DNA ever get boring? A: Belen Hurle, Ph.D.: Never, ever! Being a genetic researcher feels like decoding important messages everyday. You have this question in your mind and you dig in the DNA database for answers. It gives you so much satisfaction when you finally get your answer. Having said so, genetics has many sub-disciplines and I don't like them all the same. It is important to find your focus and concentrate on that area to maximize the fun. Q: Athens High School in AL (12th grade student): Is it possible to cross DNA in humans with DNA in animals. A: Larry Thompson, M.S., M.F.A.: Sure. First of all, humans are animals. And DNA works the same in all living things. Genetic engineers commonly take human DNA and insert it into a wide range of organisms such as bacteria, yeast and even mice, where it works just fine. Scientists have even taken firefly DNA that makes a protein that glows and put it in plants. These experiements in which DNA is moved across species dramatically shows the unity of life as it has evolved across the planet -- and across time. Q: Athens High School in AL (12th grade student): Do you think that as we continue to unlock answers in the genome and DNA itself, further ethical problems will arise? A: Erin Ramos, Ph.D., M.P.H.: Yes, as we learn more and more about the human genome and try to apply what we learn to improving health and preventing disease, ethical issues will continue to arise. It is important to consider and address these ethical issues and continue to work hard to make sure that the benefits of what we learn are made available to people around the world. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): Why do some animals that seem simpler that humans, such as frogs, have more genes than humans? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: Are frogs simpler, or are they just smaller? You are basically asking about the evolution of genomes. I think this is a fascinating topic. For humans, the answer is that we may have fewer genes, but we produce multiple and different proteins from those genes. Q: Carvin School Inc. Puerto Rico in International (12th grade student): What is the relationship between telomerase and cancer? A: Donna Krasnewich, M.D., Ph.D.: Telomeres is the DNA at the very tips of chromosomes. Telomerase is an enzyme that breaks down telomeres. The study of telomeres has been very exciting in the past few years because it appears that telomerase is very active in cancer cells, more than normal cells. Scientists are thinking that if they can find a drug that changes the activity of telomerase, it might be useful in treating cancer. As with all treatments, one also has to think of the side effects. Remember that telomeres also appear to change with aging. How drugs that affect telomerase will affect the processes of aging, need to be thought about as well. Q: Princeton High School in NJ (11th grade student): Was Rosalind Franklin ripped off?! A: Carla Easter, Ph.D.: In my opinion, it took a longer than expected to give her the credit she deserved. In recent years, more and more people have recognized her phenomenal contributions, and the fact that you asked about her is a testament to this. Q: Scarlet Oaks in OH (11th grade student): In theory, is it posible to modify a gene to prevent cancer? A: Dale Lea, R.N., M.P.H., C.G.C., F.A.A.N.: In theory, it is possible to modify a gene to prevent cancer. The science has not yet advanced to where a gene can be modified to prevent cancer. For example, one cause of hereditary breast cancer is a mutation in a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Currently, it is not possible to modify a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation to prevent a person from developing hereditary breast cancer. However, gene testing of cancer cells and tumors is being done to determine a specific treatment based on the genetic makeup of the cancer. For more information about gene-based treatments for cancer go to www.cancer.gov. Q: Athens High School in AL (11th grade student): How many years of college does it usually take to become a geneticist? A: Samir Kelada, Ph.D., M.P.H.: The answer depends on what kind of geneticist you want to be. I'm a research geneticist, and that took 4 years of college and then another 4-5 years of graduate school. If you want to be a medical geneticist working with patients, it would take 4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and then some additional residency training. So those are long roads to take, but they can be extremely satisfying and gratifying! You can do other types of genetics work, in a research lab or diagnostics lab, that would only take the 4 years of college. So there are different options to consider. Q: Kannapolis Middle School in NC (7th grade student): How do you guys extract DNA from ? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: While it's not always this simple, you could actually extract DNA from a strawberry with detergent, salt and alcohol. Q: Abbeville High School in SC (12th grade student): Are you ever consulted by shows such as csi to see if their information on the show is accurate? A: Larry Thompson, M.S., M.F.A.: Yes, we definitely get calls from Hollywood movie and television producers and writers, usually when they are testing an idea for a script they are writing or producing. We also get many calls from documentary producers who are exploring some new area of this exciting new science. They will come and interview our scientists and shoot b-roll in our laboratories. Genome scientists try to be helpful because we think this stuff is cool. Q: Flint Northern Academy in MI (11th grade student): How is sickle cell anemia formed in your genes and is there a cure A: Alan Guttmacher, M.D.: Sickle cell disease (SCD) occurs when a person inherits mutations, or variations, in both copies of a specific gene on chromosome #11 - the copy inherited from the mother and the copy inherited from the father. There is no true "cure" yet for SCD (except, possibly for bone marrow transplant, which is a quite expensive, complicated, and difficult procedure), but there are some treatments that can be quite helpful, such as a medication called "hydroxyurea." We are hard at work, however, developing even better treatments and, one day, true cures - and even ways to prevent SCD from occurring. Q: Scarlet Oaks in OH (11th grade student): How does bioinformatics fit into the big picture of DNA research? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: DNA research generates a LOT of information. One human genome alone is 3 billion bits of information. Scientists have to store all this data (were talking lots of disk space) and analyze the data (by some very smart computer programmers). Q: Wright Business School in OK (Higher Education grade student): What does DNA stand for? A: Kris Wetterstrand, M.S.: Deoxyribonucleic Acid. Q: Therizino in International (6th grade student): I like Genetics whatever i'm still young (12 years old), do you know the best website about Genetics? A: Sarah Harding M.P.H.: I love genetics! and I'm definitely older than 12 :). Genome.gov is a great website about genetics. Another great one is http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/...they have lots of fun stuff to do! Q: Scarlet Oaks in OH (11th grade student): What is the size of the entire human genome? A: Belen Hurle, Ph.D.: If you are talking about the number of bases or "letters" it would be three billion letters! That is awfully long. If you were using a typewriter it would take two hundred 1,000 page phone books to type it all. Although long the actual DNA molecule is incredibly tiny and the cell manages to pack all its DNA in its nucleus with no problems. Q: St. Ignatius College Prep in IL (12th grade student): Do histones contribute to our genetic expression, or are they m |
