You are likely familiar with genetic mutations – inherited changes in the DNA that cause conditions such as sickle cell anemia, Down’s Syndrome, Tay Sachs, and cystic fibrosis.
But did you know we all have another kind of change in our DNA?
We each have millions of small variations in the DNA called SNPs (short for “single nucleotide polymorphisms”). They are what make us unique. But these SNPs can also increase the risk of having a disease — or provide protection.
The powerful advantage of SNPs is that the ultimate outcome – health or disease – is not fixed. Unlike genetic mutations, genomic SNPs are influenced by many factors in the environment, including diet, lifestyle, exercise and even stress.
Genomic Medicine is a whole-person approach that leverages knowledge of gene SNPs and how they interact with our environment to personalize the prevention and treatment of many illnesses.
Along with other clinician-scientists from around the world, we continue to discover new ways that subtle gene differences interact with the environment to cause large differences in health…
…and how to use that knowledge to help people experience the benefits of personalized Genomic Medicine for a healthy life.