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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How are genes related to ALS?
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Don Hadley, M.S., C.G.C.:
I am currently researching the components of a genetic counseling session, including how people are informed of genetic disorders and how they make decisions regarding genetic testing.
While, I don't think we know the complete answer to your question, we do know some. For example, in most cases, ALS is not inherited, in other words, it does NOT appear to be the result of "genetics" alone; the symptoms may result from a combination of factors, some genetic and some environmental. In a small percentage of people who have ALS, there is a strong family history of others within their family who also have ALS; in those families the genetic contributions may play a more significant role.
If you would like to learn more, try going to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001708/.
Great question! |
| Hutson School in IN (10th grade student) |
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