5 Applications of genetics in medicine

Genetics explains how biological inheritance is transmitted from generation to generation through DNA. In the field of medicine, genetics has had a very significant impact on the way hereditary diseases are diagnosed, treated, and prevented. Here are some of the most relevant applications of genetics in medicine.

 

Diagnosis of genetic diseases 

Genetic advances make it possible to develop early diagnostic tests, new treatments, or interventions ranging from avoiding the disease to minimizing its severity. In particular, genetics plays a crucial role in inherited disease diagnosis. Disorders of this type are due to mutations in a single gene, and these mutation identification allow accurate and early diagnosis.

 

Personalization of medical treatments

Genetics is also being used to personalize medical treatments. Identifying genetic factors that influence treatment responses allows physicians to select the most effective therapy for each patient and achieve better outcomes with more effective therapies.

 

Gene therapies

Gene therapies are an innovative way of treating genetic diseases. They consist of introducing modified genetic material into the patient’s cells with the aim of correcting the mutation responsible for the disease. Although still in the experimental phase, these therapies promise to be an effective way of treating genetic diseases in the future.

 

Vaccine development

Genetics is being used to develop vaccines more effectively and safely, including RNA-based vaccines. Genetic vaccines are based on the laboratory production of antigenic proteins (proteins capable of generating an immune response) from the virus. According to experts, recombinant DNA or gene splicing technology could be applied to many diseases for which there are currently no preventive vaccines, such as AIDS or malaria.

 

Risk predictor

Genetics can also predict the risk of developing genetic and non-genetic diseases. It can help physicians make objective decisions about the prevention and treatment of these diseases. In this regard, genetic tests have become increasingly important in recent years, both to detect predisposition to certain hereditary diseases and to detect certain health disorders.

 

ARQUIMEA and genetics

In our commitment to genetics for the prevention of diseases and the improvement of people’s quality of life, at ARQUIMEA, we develop genetic tests for different medical specialties and health areas. Our tests allow us to detect some health alterations present in our DNA in order to try to prolong the time until their manifestation or even prevent them from appearing. 

From possible premature aging of the skin or the body characteristics to improve sports performance to potential nutritional and digestive problems. Knowing our genetic features allows us to optimize our health, act on what our body needs most, and try to age in the best possible way.

We invite you to get to know our full range of genetic tests available on our website, where you can learn about our technologies and resources in detail.