You guessed it! Location, location, location…
A new research study from my Alma Mater, McGill University in Montreal, demonstrates major DNA differences between genes in blood cells and tissue cells of the same individual. Specifically, the researchers found a DNA mutation (of the BAK gene involved in cell death) in the tissue cells harvested from patients, but not in their blood cells. This study and other recent ones challenge the major current assumption under which we have operated for years, i.e. that our DNA is the same in all the cells throughout the body, a specific master template faithfully reproduced in each of us. We are not talking cancer where local mutations are known to occur in tumors. What does this mean for you?
- As a researcher, therapy and/or diagnostic developer, etc., it means that you will likely have to look in the right place in the body, analyzing “the right” (relevant) cells. This is exciting, as it opens up a lot of potential great discoveries, cures and diagnostics. It is also good news for those who had set up or already work with tissue banks (is anybody reading: much more work needed? are we going to run into the needle in the haystack issue?)
- As a regulator, decision maker, media, etc. you will have to realize that there is much more to come, so you might want to give it a chance… Many have begun not only to openy question the wisdom of genetic testing to derive disease associations, but to actively block any initiative along these lines.
- As a patient and consumer of health innovation, you might have to be willing to allow removal of tissues (other than blood) from your body for accurate genetic testing. Only you can decide if that is good for you…
Yet another dimension is being added to “personalized medicine”. The biology of our bodies includes features that are manifested and influence locally and systemically (globally). The genetic information is less global than previously thought. Thus the testing, treatment and care will need to be not only tailored to the individual, but also to the specific tissue/body component affected and targeted for prevention or cure of the disease.
So, coming back to the old tried and true wisdom, when it comes to our most precious piece of real estate, our own body, we will need to chose wisely the location (of genetic testing, treatment, etc.)…
(originally posted at “Constructive Interference”: “Interfere to innovate” http://constructiveinterference.wordpress.com)