2012- 21st Annual NC State Undergraduate Research Symposium

Session Time : 4/10/12 10:30 AM - 4/10/12 11:45 AM

Content Area : Animal Science

Poster Appointment: , -

Student Presenters :
Megan Elizabeth Williamson Animal Science

Alex Herring Biological Sciences;
Samantha Lane Biology/Poultry Science;
Mallory Cochran Human Biology

Mentors and/or Co-Authors :
H. C. Liu Animal Science

Abstract Title : Genetics in Medicine: Implications for Healthcare

Abstract :
The main objective of this research project was to look at how far genetics has come and see how it is affecting the healthcare industry, focusing on P4 medicines. The four parts of P4 medicines are Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, and Participatory. The hope is that over the next 20 years, medicine will be taken to a new level combining biotechnology and the human genome sequence, allowing for the management of people’s health before it turns into a disease. By being able to sequence the human genome, due to The Human Genome Project, one’s genetic sequence may soon become a big part of medical records. By analyzing these sequences there is hope that diseases will be predicted before the onset of symptoms allowing for early prevention and thus the optimum wellness of human beings. Medicines will become more personalized based off a person’s genetic sequence therefore making them more effective. This is currently done in the field of pharmacogenomics. Finally, patients will become more educated and better able to participate in medical choices, helping to eliminate the onset of many diseases. P4 medicines are a giant leap in the healthcare system and when the technology behind it is mastered, it will bring many benefits to the population that were not thought possible 20 some years prior.