Scientific breakthroughs rarely benefit only one illness, and often apply to many more conditions than expected. For example, research into the genetic causes of breast cancer resulted in the identification of a gene related to the development of brain tissue. Advances like this can be difficult to predict and could be blocked unintentionally by earmarks for certain diseases. My field, endocrinology, provides many examples of the ways in which seemingly distinct research topics are related. Endocrinology deals with the role of hormones in regulating bodily functions.
Hormone imbalances can cause diabetes, heart disease, tumor growth, infertility and birth defects.
Although these institutes appear to focus on unique fields of medicine, the work of each institute contributes to the others by enhancing our understanding of the causes and treatment of endocrine disorders. One study has identified a drug that may combat the most common cause of infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome. Testing women for hypothyroidism early in their pregnancies may help prevent mental retardation in their children. Studies funded by NCI have enhanced our knowledge about the interaction between hormones and genes. One recently reported study built off research tools developed by earlier researchers to track the movement of receptors, molecular configurations that bind to hormones, to and from genes.