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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In the light of epigenetics, is familial gene testing indicative of genetic disorders?      Toni Pollin, M.S., Ph.D.: I have a Master's degree and board certification in genetic counseling and a Ph.D. in human genetics. My research interests include identifying genetic factors in common complex diseases. I'm not sure I understand the question, but the fact that there are epigenetic influences on gene expression does not prevent genetic testing from being useful for diagnosing and predicting genetic disorders in families. SMV Center for Biotechnology, Nagpur (teacher)

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