Know your genetic blueprint

Sweet tooth, athlete or overly emotional: what secrets genetic tests reveal

How many cups of coffee are safe to drink per day, which foods should you cut out of your diet, and which diseases should you be personally wary of? Scientists at the Institute of Genetics and Cytology under Belarus’ Academy of Sciences know the answers to these questions. They have already issued more than 27,000 genetic passports, and the functionality of DNA research has significantly expanded over the past year.

Institute of Genetics and Cytology under Belarus’ Academy of Sciences. In the photo: Mariya Datskevich,  junior researcher 
Aleksandr Kulevsky

Bordering on fantasy 

If you have wanted to brush up on your school biology knowledge, this article is for you. We have talked to Pavel Morozik, Deputy Director for Research at the Institute of Genetics and Cytology under the National Academy of Sciences, about something most of us heard about in class but never fully understood: what DNA is. Just imagine: 99.9 percent of our DNA is identical to the DNA of other people. It is the remaining 0.1 percent that makes us unique.
Today, people come to geneticists with various questions. Many want to know about the risk of miscarriage. Right now, a family is visiting who are planning to have a child. They already have a history of unsuccessful attempts, so the couple has decided not to take any chances and carefully prepare for a second pregnancy, relying on the results of a genetic test. Pavel Morozik explained that the cause of such a pathology is often associated with a hereditary predisposition to thrombosis, “If the testing shows such a predisposition, the doctor will prescribe blood-thinning medication. As a result of the treatment, women successfully become mothers. Previously, this testing was carried out based on 14 genes, now — on 26, which allows you to get a more complete picture.”

No prior preparation is required for DNA analysis. It is recommended not to brush your teeth, eat or smoke immediately before taking the biological material. A specialist uses a cotton swab to take a scraping from the inside of the cheek and sends it to the laboratory.

We entered a room where DNA is extracted using chemical reagents and the nucleotide composition is analysed. Ninety-six samples are placed in the device simultaneously. The more clients who request the service, the faster everyone will receive an answer. According to the contract, the research result is issued within 35 working days, but it usually becomes known sooner. Thus, establishing kinship takes up to seven days, and in urgent cases, results may be ready within 24 hours.

Aleksandr Gorbash

Stress and sports genes

The National Centre of Genome Biotechnologies is constantly introducing advanced methods and the results of scientific research. A particular source of pride is the bioinformatics sector, where specialists with biological and IT backgrounds work. They analyse huge arrays of DNA data and search for harmful mutations in the genome.
Humans have around 25,000 genes, but testing is carried out on more than 100 of the most scientifically significant ones. With the help of these analyses, scientists can identify a predisposition to hundreds of diseases and predict the likelihood of developing a number of hereditary pathologies: both those that are inherited and those that are related to lifestyle.
In recent years, methods have been developed to identify genetic predispositions to more than 20 diseases that are most common in Belarusians — for example, a predisposition to cardiovascular diseases. The service has been improved: now, not only is the probability of a heart attack determined, but also the degree of risk on a points scale.

The service of lactose intolerance testing is in demand. According to some data, it affects one in ten Belarusians. It is no coincidence that oat and almond milk have become so popular. It is the same story with gluten. Having learned about these sensitivities, a person will exclude products with milk sugar or gluten from their diet to avoid digestive problems.

Scientists emphasise that a genetic (DNA) passport is a guide to action, and advise getting tested as early as possible, ideally before the age of 40. By identifying weaknesses, one can focus on prevention, get rid of bad habits, improve nutrition and choose optimal physical activity.
DNA not only helps to identify predispositions to diseases, but also reveals amazing features of our ancestry. Based on the genetic code of each of us, we can trace our lineage back thousands of years, as well as identify the migration routes of our ancestors and their connections with ancient civilisations. Moreover, our genes determine ‘superpowers’, as clarified by Pavel Morozik. “Some people have a gene that is linked to an extraordinary capacity for endurance. They can do sports in extreme conditions, such as in mountain expeditions, and do not lose strength even after long hours of intense exertion. Genes can also determine emotional response. For example, there is a gene that affects the perception of stress, so some people are calmer in critical situations, while others are the opposite,” the Deputy Director for Research shared enlightening information.  

Bacterium asking for glucose

It is a familiar story: a father dreams of his son becoming a footballer, but genetics dictates that he is a natural swimmer. In cases like these, scientists help parents decide which sport is best for their child. Currently, the laboratory is analysing about a dozen DNA samples from young athletes. Perhaps one of them contains the sample of a future Olympic champion!
Genetic beauty is particularly noteworthy, as it is in high demand among women. A DNA analysis can reveal a predisposition to photoaging, acne, hair loss, and other aesthetic concerns. Men may be interested in the efficiency of alcohol metabolism. Some people are genetically predisposed to alcohol intolerance. A DNA test will also show whether a person is prone to overeating. Yes, indeed, some people are genetically predisposed to having weak control over their sense of satiety.
The prices for research vary. A test for a predisposition to pregnancy loss costs from Br38 to Br470, while a sports ability investigation costs around Br360. A complete genetic passport will cost within Br1,000.
“We have recently completed an important project on the microbiome study — the collection of all the microorganisms living in our bodies,” explained Pavel Morozik. “It is believed that the microbiome affects our behaviour and preferences. So, if you dislike fish, for example, it may be the preference of your microbiome. Conversely, if you crave sweets, it could be a signal from one of the bacteria inside you, asking for glucose and sending the corresponding signal to your brain.”

Aleksandr Gorbash

FANCY THAT! 

Genetically, humans differ from chimpanzees by only 1–2 percent and from bananas by 50 percent.
The length of DNA in a single human cell is around two metres, while the total length of DNA in all human cells can stretch for 16 billion kilometres. That is roughly the distance from Earth to Pluto and back. Human DNA is damaged nearly one million times during a day. But don’t worry: the body has a complex repair system in place that effectively fixes the damage, preventing cancer and cell death.

By Inna Gorbatenko