DNA databases: the future of medical research in the United States?Will DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. databases provide researchers with a rich source of genetic information to help advance medical research? Proponents believe so. In simple terms, a DNA database is a collection of genetic information. This information may include such things as genealogical records, medical records, demographic information and physical samples, such as blood or tissue specimens. The information allows researchers to study how susceptible certain groups are to common disorders, like diabetes and heart disease. Proponents believe that by studying the genetic information stored in the database, medical researchers will help improve disease diagnosis and treatment. While state-sponsored DNA databases for medical research exist in some European countries, including the United Kingdom and Iceland, government interest in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. is just gaining momentum. Recent events signal greater support for state and federal DNA databases, including the passage of HB 1256 in North Carolina North Carolina, state in the SE United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean (E), South Carolina and Georgia (S), Tennessee (W), and Virginia (N). Facts and Figures Area, 52,586 sq mi (136,198 sq km). Pop. and the announcement by Rutgers University Rutgers University, main campus at New Brunswick, N.J.; land-grant and state supported; coeducational except for Douglass College; chartered 1766 as Queen's College, opened 1771. Campuses and Facilities Rutgers maintains three campuses. that it will create a DNA database. The North Carolina House of Representatives The North Carolina House of Representatives is one of the two houses of the North Carolina General Assembly. The House is a 120 member body led by a Speaker of the House, who holds powers similar to those of the President pro-tem in the state senate. passed legislation this session to create a DNA database for research purposes. It is pending in the Senate. Under the bill, sponsored by Representatives Paul Miller and Trudi Walend, genetic information would be collected on a voluntary basis in the form of DNA samples, including blood, hair and saliva, and medical records. The proposed law requires that researchers strip all identifiable information connected to the donor before entering it into the database. The database would be available to both researchers in academic institutions and biotechnology corporations for specific fees. This summer, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases About NIDDK The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, conducts and supports research on many of the most serious diseases affecting public health. at Rutgers University won a $9.3 million National Institutes of Health grant to create a DNA database. Rutgers will store genetic information from people worldwide that will be used to study such disorders as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease inflammatory bowel disease n. Abbr. IBD Any of several incurable and debilitating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by inflammation and obstruction of parts of the intestine. and kidney disorders. While proponents argue that the use of DNA databases for research offers the potential of better diagnosis and treatment of disease, critics raise social concerns regarding the use of genetic information. These include ethical and donor privacy concerns about the appropriate use of stored samples. Genetic privacy laws, which currently exist in 29 states, may act as a barrier to the misuse of DNA databases. For more information on DNA databases and genetics-related topics from NCSL NCSL National Conference of State Legislatures NCSL National College for School Leadership NCSL National Conference of Standards Laboratories NCSL National Council of State Legislators NCSL National Computer Systems Laboratory (NIST) , visit www.ncsl.org/programs/health/genetics.htm |
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