The Strange Case of Molecular Medicine

摘要: “Modern medicine is entering the “molecular age” — a statement similar to this frequently found not only in writings of physicians and scientists, but also mass media. Like many paradigm shifts that have characterized technical progress medical arena, characterization diseases at level genes molecules latest step search for final frontier medicine. Over past centuries, research has continuously refined its organization, as it focussed on whole body, then levels organ, cell, now, finally, genes. The term medicine” describes impact molecular biology genetics characterizes new field devoted aspects disease etiology, potential use resulting technology diagnosis therapy. human genome project now been completed, generating an abundance genetic information can be applied New candidate will defined tested functional models. This used ways: DNA useful define risk factors long before they appear, opening door preventive strategies. Furthermore, optimize conventional pharmacological treatment, improving rate responders drug treatment which currently low situations. means individual gene profile choose best option patient. Lastly, therapeutic approaches proposed using somatic transfer technology. These techniques are targeting repair defective genes, altering regulation by increasing “good” inhibiting “bad” Alternatively, replace or thought protective pathophysiological conditions added organism. All these offer fascinating ways allow tremendous