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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How come the siamese twins born? And are there any genetic factors play a role in it?
     Nisha Isaac, M.S., C.G.C.: Nisha Isaac is a board certified genetic counselor who is especially interested in cultural diversity and facilitating the availability and access of genetic services to all populations. Nisha has broad clinical and research experience that includes prenatal, pediatric, research and cancer genetics. Currently, Nisha is providing cancer genetic services at both St. Agnes Hospital and St. Josephs Cancer Institure in the Baltimore area. Siamese or co-joined twins are born because of problems in the development of the twins during the pregnancy. Sometimes, parts of twins can fuse because of disruptions in the developmental process. Genetic factors probably play a role in this but they are not well understood.
Anthro-Therizino (7th grade student)

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