2009 National DNA Day Online Chatroom Transcript

This is just one question from an archive of the National DNA Day Moderated Chat held in April 2009. 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 your reasoning for being in this field and what are you studying?
     Pam Schwartzberg, M.D., Ph.D.: I study mouse models of primary immunodeficiencies (genetic diseases that impair the ability of the immune system to fight infections) and how specific disorders affect responses to infectious diseases. We (my lab and I) study primary immunodeficiencies--that is disorders that cause people to be very susceptible to infections due to a mutations (a genetic change in their DNA) that affect their immune systems. We use mouse models that we generate to try to understand why these patients get sick and what is wrong with their immune systems. Why did I go into this field? Because I find it fascinating! I want to find out the mechanism of why the immune system does not work in these diseases and how we might be able to approach these diseases therapeutically. Understanding the genetic changes and what they do, is the first step in this process.
Creative and Performing Arts High School in PA (10th grade student)

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