The article, New tool identifies drug resistant
genes, drug targets discusses a new technique designed to
find mutations in genes. Genes are
sequences of DNA. They code for
proteins. Proteins carry out majority of
cell functions. Drugs are designed to
target certain genes. However mutations
in the genes can cause a person to become resistant to the drug. Sometimes scientists just create drugs
through trial and error without knowing the exact target of the drug. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine
came up with a tool called “variomics”.
This not only allows researchers to find the gene target of a drug, but
also find mutations in it. This
experiment was carried out in yeast cells and gave very good results. Now scientists are looking forward to testing
it in human cells.
This article was interesting because
it could completely change the use of medicine in this country. Doctors, I feel, prescribe too many medicines
to patients. I think this is because
many drug targets are unknown. Also many
times, the patient ends up being resistant to the drug. If we know details about genes and the target
of drugs, doctors can be more specific about the medicines they prescribe. The improvement of technology will make life
better for all of us.
Work Cited
1. Gutierraz, Graciela. "New Tool Identifies Drug Resistant Genes, Drug Targets." - Baylor College of Medicine. BCM, 20 Sept. 2011. Web. 26 Feb. 2013. <http://www.bcm.edu/news/item.cfm?newsID=6823>.
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