2011 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2011. The NHGRI Director and many genomics experts from across NHGRI took questions from students, teachers and the general public on topics ranging from basic genomic research, to the genetic basis of disease, to ethical questions about genetic privacy.

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What is the most extreme and deadly type of DNA mutation?      David Bodine, M.D., Ph.D.: I currently investigate the genetics of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (PHSCs) to improve the effectiveness of bone marrow transplantation and to find better ways to use these unique cells for gene replacement therapy. I'm also studying diseases that interfere with the ability of the stem cells to differentiate into red blood cells. Good question. It probably depends on whether you have it or not. I would say that the flu mutations are the most deadly. When you get a new strain of flu, it can kill millions of people. Palms Middle School in CA (7th grade student)

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