Link Between Diet and Gene Mutation

In the April 2012 issue of the journal Genetics, researchers from the University of California say there may be determining variations and responses to vitamin treatment in the human cystathionine beta synthase gene. If this gene becomes defective it can cause a genetic metabolic disorder. This disorder is called homocystinuria and in some cases can be curable with the vitamin B6. The scientists that were involved switched the cystathionine beta synthase gene in yeast with the gene from humans. They tested the genes to determine which alternatives were healthy, treatable, or untreatable when vitamin B6 was given to the species. The scientist concluded the function of 84 DNA sequence variants in this gene, which will help physicians more effectively treat patients based on their particular genotypes.

 



This could lead to the doctors being able to treat patient with drugs more suitable to them rather than do a trial and error. This then could lead to the patient feeling better sooner and be able to figure out what they are more susceptible to when it comes to their genetic makeup.