Proteins are the chemical compounds of amino acids, which regulate much of the body's functioning. It can be an enzyme that helps digest food, a neurotransmitter that allows brain cells to communicate, or an antibody that helps fight infection. The primary task of most genes is the production of these proteins. Kelvin Lee, M.D., associate professor of medicine and microbiology and immunology at the School of Medicine, says the future of proteomics is immense. Dr. Lee is exploring the idea that the body can be cued to vaccinate itself against cancer.
Proteins hold the key.
While such discoveries will no doubt revolutionize medicine, our mastery of the human genome also raises ethical concerns. Certainly all of us possess genes associated with adverse health conditions. The possibilities are endless. We also may learn that many behavioral characteristics have genetic links. That prospect, along with expected advances of in vitro fertilization, may give prospective parents the opportunity to select out all but strong, attractive, good natured, Ivy League-bound offspring.