Dr. Robert H. Lipsky is currently the director of Translational Research in the
Department of Neuroscience at Inova Fairfax Hospital, who is also the founder
of Inova-GMU Neuroscience Translational Research Laboratory. For our seminar on
October 18th, Dr. Lipsky talked about functional genomics and their
role in translational medical science. Through the translational research,
scientists have been successful in findings basic research and rapidly move
them to medical applications to produce meaningful health outcomes from bench
to bedsides.
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| Translational Research |
So what is the gene that everybody
is talking about? Each cell in human body consists of DNA in its nucleus, which
consists of genes that carry information in determining our traits. Traits are
the characteristics we inherit from our parents and we pass it on to our kids
through genes. For instance, our different variation of eyes color is due to
the variation in the genes. Now, if we were to think of having blue eyes
instead of brown, would that be possible? In today’s world, scientists and
different researches have been able to modify the genetic code to make desired
traits. Therefore, this idea leads to the study of pharmacogenetics, the study
of genetic variation that leads to differences in responses to drugs. This study
allows treatment to genetic disorders and production of customized drugs
according to patients genetic make up.
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| Modifying genetic code |
Another interesting topic Dr.
Lipsky mentioned was individual variation in antidepressant treatment outcome.
The sequenced treatment alternatives to relieve depression (STAR * D) project
defined treatments that are most effective for patients with major depression
who have an unsatisfactory clinical outcome after an initial treatment (level
1) with citalopram, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Moreover,
he also talked about treatment for spinal cord injuries (SCI) with a device
called oscillating field stimulator (OFS), which helps in promoting the
regeneration of the spinal cord and recovery from neurological issues.
References:
http://blogcritics.org/scitech/article/how-biotech-and-genetics-will-power/
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/120574.php
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/About/primer/pharm.html
