HOW GENOMIC RESEARCH SHAPES PHARMACEUTICALS
Imagine if human beings had a secret code determining our likeliness of contracting certain diseases or whether a trait might run in our family. By understanding this code better, scientists could hope to find new ways to treat diseases, personalize medicine and maybe even unlock some of the mysteries of life itself.
We each do have such a code: our DNA. In genomic research, scientists become detectives who investigate DNA codes. These researchers aren’t just interested in one person’s DNA but rather the DNA of many people from different backgrounds. This helps them identify patterns and recognize how genes affect health conditions and diseases and how drugs can be developed and harnessed to fight those diseases with improved outcomes on a larger scale.
Genomics Meets Pharmaceuticals
Genomics and pharmaceuticals converge in pharmacogenomics, a field that examines how the genetic makeup of an individual influences their response to medications. DNA can help determine whether a person will experience adverse or beneficial reactions — or no effect at all — from a drug, enhancing our well-being by predicting whether a drug is effective and safe for us to use. Armed with this knowledge, a physician can tailor a patient’s treatment, ensuring they receive the most suitable medication for their needs.
Promising Research Areas and Opportunities
Scientists are making strides in genomic and pharmacogenomic research, developing new drugs and modifying existing drugs to produce positive results for a larger number of people. While research is wide-ranging, there are still some crucial areas to be addressed, providing the opportunity for an expansion of the field. Here are some of the areas pharmacogenomic scientists are targeting.
Migraines
Verapamil has been used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain and cardiac arrythmia with tremendous results for more than six decades. New pharmacogenomic studies have shown this prescription medication to be effective in preventing migraines for people with differing genetic characteristics in a broad range of doses.
Cancer
Methotrexate has been proven to inhibit the development of cancer cells in some patients. However, some cancer cells are resistant to this drug. A recently published article reveals researchers gained new insight into methotrexate-resistance in human colon cancer cells that may provide a roadmap for overcoming drug resistance for a variety of cancers.
A Program Tailored to Your Career Goals and Learning Needs
Here at UMMC, we’re actively contributing to consequential molecular medicine research. Take the opportunity to make your own contributions to this dynamic field starting with our online Molecular Medicine Graduate Certificate Program. Led by primary faculty, our Program equips you for diverse and fulfilling healthcare careers, including molecular medicine and related fields. You’ll receive one-on-one attention from Program faculty throughout your journey.
Distance is never an obstacle for our students. Whether you’re here in Jackson, Mississippi, or elsewhere in the U.S. or the world, you can enroll in our 11-14 credit Certificate Program and finish your studies entirely online in as little as two semesters. No need for campus visits. Our asynchronous courses enable you to tailor your schedule to accommodate any professional and personal commitments. This level of flexibility sets our program far apart from others.
Learn more about our Program and see potential career options and salaries.
Ready to apply? Get started here.
Sources:
https://www.nature.com/subjects/genomics
https://www.nature.com/subjects/pharmacogenomics
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/partner-content-genomics-health-care
https://www.genome.gov/health/Genomics-and-Medicine
https://www.genome.gov/health/Genomics-and-Medicine/accomplishments
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/latest-inventions-field-pharmacogenomics-nithin-sai
