A major potential use for this technology could be for oral cancer patients. In some cases treatment for this disease can leave disfigurements that can not easily be repaired today. However future research could lead to the ability to regrow these damaged bones and tissues, helping to better treat these patients. As the initiative to map and sequence the entire human genome has progressed, researchers have identified regulatory and structural genes associated with more than 100 inherited craniofacial, oral and dental syndromes and genes critical to the development of bone, cartilage, dentin, enamel and a variety of craniofacial, oral and dental tissues. In addition, our scientists have characterized over 1,000 genes that are expressed in the head or face.
Genetic research is a large part of the future of science and biomedicine.
As the project continues, scientists will seek to define the genome of selected viruses, bacteria and fungi that are responsible for opportunistic infectious diseases. By identifying the genetic codes, researchers hope to better prevent and treat many diseases and disorders.