Harry Campbell
Genes are our biological blueprint—and, when our bodies inherit aberrant forms, or our genes mutate into one of them, disease may follow. Although the seemingly elegant solution of replacing problem genes has proved more difficult than hoped, research continues to sustain the promise of gene-based treatments. Scientists at MGH, who pioneered techniques in discovering the gene that gives rise to Huntington’s disease, are now collaborating on new approaches to reveal our genetic makeup in exquisitely illuminating detail—and to compile and decipher massive amounts of data about how genes influence health.
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Crunching the Data Within
Technological advances are making it ever easier and cheaper to gather information about the human genetic makeup—and ever more challenging to organize and interpret that flood of knowledge. // More -
Cycle of Discovery
Researchers of genetic disorders typically follow the same pattern of study—beginning and ending with the patients themselves. // More -
An Inherited Quirk
Studying a family with miniscule levels of low-density lipoproteins may help develop gene therapies for people predisposed to heart disease. // More -
Body of Work
Genetic research at MGH runs the gamut of organs and disorders, from Alzheimer’s disease to inflammatory bowel disease. // More -
The Gene Hunter
The scientist who discovered the gene responsible for causing Huntington’s disease continues his pursuit for other gene targets. // More -
Decades of Decoding
Since the 1970s, scientists at MGH and elsewhere have made great strides to decipher the information embedded in the human genome. // More
Video: The Gene Hunter
James Gusella discusses the future of genetics research.
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