This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 677, an Undergraduate course at UW-Madison
The following is a review of an article published in the New York Times in 1991 about the isolation of the FBN1 gene.
The isolation of the gene for Marfan Syndrome was a collaborated effort by many researchers with many approaches. At this point in Marfan research, identifying the gene responsible for the disease was the next step. As stated, without genetic testing, it is difficult to diagnose patients with that display mild phenotypes of the disorder. This has proved troublesome for patients since most death is a caused by cardiovascular complications from the condition, which develop later and are rarely detected until too late. These findings would allow for more accurate diagnosis of patients, primarily catching case of Marfan Syndrome that present mild physical characteristics.
The article discussed two approaches that lead to the identification of the FBN1 gene as the cause for Marfan Syndrome. The first approach involved sifting through genetic material of families with many members affected by the disease looking for any significant data. This narrowed the search to chromosome 15, allowing scientists to look for the exact location of the gene on that single chromosome. The second approach entailed isolated a gene that generated fibrillin, a protein involved in connective tissue. Previous bichemical evidence pointed to the fact that fibrillin protein could contribute to the Marfan phenotype features. The two approaches merged and the gene for fibrillin turned out to be the gene that causes Marfan Syndrome.
The article was able to grab the attention of the readers by associating the disease with popular figures in the media such as Flo Hyman, Chris Patten and possibly even President Abraham Lincoln. Also, the article stressed the fatal aspect of the disease and the importance of isolating a gene that causes the disease. The reader is able to understand that researchers working on isolating the gene were putting all their efforts into this project, showing the scientific importance behind their findings.
However, although the article was able to stimulate the interest of the reader, the name of the gene was never mentioned. The article failed to link to any primary research or further information about Marfan Syndrome. A few scientists were quoted about the work and importance of isolating the gene but it was never specifically stated how each scientist was involved in the research.
Overall, the author gave some background to the reader about the disease and allowed the reader to associate the disease with public figures. This article presented the genetic-related information in a manner that most of the general public would be able to understand.
The isolation of the gene for Marfan Syndrome was a collaborated effort by many researchers with many approaches. At this point in Marfan research, identifying the gene responsible for the disease was the next step. As stated, without genetic testing, it is difficult to diagnose patients with that display mild phenotypes of the disorder. This has proved troublesome for patients since most death is a caused by cardiovascular complications from the condition, which develop later and are rarely detected until too late. These findings would allow for more accurate diagnosis of patients, primarily catching case of Marfan Syndrome that present mild physical characteristics.
The article discussed two approaches that lead to the identification of the FBN1 gene as the cause for Marfan Syndrome. The first approach involved sifting through genetic material of families with many members affected by the disease looking for any significant data. This narrowed the search to chromosome 15, allowing scientists to look for the exact location of the gene on that single chromosome. The second approach entailed isolated a gene that generated fibrillin, a protein involved in connective tissue. Previous bichemical evidence pointed to the fact that fibrillin protein could contribute to the Marfan phenotype features. The two approaches merged and the gene for fibrillin turned out to be the gene that causes Marfan Syndrome.
The article was able to grab the attention of the readers by associating the disease with popular figures in the media such as Flo Hyman, Chris Patten and possibly even President Abraham Lincoln. Also, the article stressed the fatal aspect of the disease and the importance of isolating a gene that causes the disease. The reader is able to understand that researchers working on isolating the gene were putting all their efforts into this project, showing the scientific importance behind their findings.
However, although the article was able to stimulate the interest of the reader, the name of the gene was never mentioned. The article failed to link to any primary research or further information about Marfan Syndrome. A few scientists were quoted about the work and importance of isolating the gene but it was never specifically stated how each scientist was involved in the research.
Overall, the author gave some background to the reader about the disease and allowed the reader to associate the disease with public figures. This article presented the genetic-related information in a manner that most of the general public would be able to understand.
The article can be found here.
References
- Angier, N. (1991, July 25) Gene isolated in deadly disease. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/1991/07/25/us/gene-is-isolated-in-deadly-disease.html?scp=14&sq=marfan&st=cse
Gabrielle Waclawik
[email protected]
February 23, 2010
www.gen677.weebly.com
[email protected]
February 23, 2010
www.gen677.weebly.com
