Search

Abstract: Coronaviruses, named for their crown-like appearance, are relative newcomers to the human viral encyclopedia, but they are anything but new to the viral landscape. Initially thought to cause relatively mild disease in humans, it is now clear that coronaviruses can cause significant morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 provided a ringside seat from which to watch scientists use genomics in hundreds of ways to learn about, protect against, and ultimately control the effects of this novel virus. This article provides an overview of how genomics was used from the very first reported case in Wuhan, China to the development of at-home test kits, vaccines, and understanding the genetic association with increased risk for severe illness., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 American Association of Nurse Practitioners.)

Abstract: Advances in genomics research and clinical applications continue to accelerate. Coupled with the availability of direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing of genetic testing and new discoveries, patients are increasingly coming into primary care with genomic questions. This article offers a snapshot of the kinds of questions patients are asking and that providers should be prepared to discuss such as what to do with DTC results or whether pharmacogenetics testing would help make sure "the right" medication is prescribed. Clinicians should understand the value of clinical guidelines (and where to find them), how to find a genetic specialist, what's happening with gene editing (to include gene sequencing), what's on the horizon in cancer care, and what the future might hold., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 American Association of Nurse Practitioners.)

Abstract: Healthy aging is not the result of a single factor. Genes, dietary choices/options, exercise, and environmental exposures all play a role. A family of seven nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)-dependent sirtuin proteins are very involved in various metabolic functions, such as glucose and fat regulation, and polymorphisms in these genes have been associated with the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and longevity. Nutraceuticals (i.e., resveratrol, quercetin, kaempferol, and curcumin) and other therapies (i.e., synthetic sirtuin-activating compounds, NAD, nicotinamide mononucleotide) are all being explored as in potential therapies in the sirtuin pathway and point to promising treatments to promote metabolic health and reduce obesity and age-related disease. For the clinician looking to reduce the risk of age-related metabolic disorders, evidence points to these supplements and appropriate food choices as the next generation of pharmaceutical grade therapies continue to be researched for human use., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 American Association of Nurse Practitioners.)

Abstract: This third article in the Genomics of Aging series explores the process of glycosylation and how abnormal glycosylation contributes to aging and disease (i.e., diabetes, cardiovascular disease [CVD], neurological disorder, and cancer). Glycosylation is an important posttranslational process that contributes to normal protein folding, cell adhesion, protein stability, and motility. Gradual accumulation of molecular errors contributes to the aging process, and specific genetic variants in this pathway have been identified in cancer, CVD, aging, and vulnerability to disease progression. Manipulating glycosylation pathways may be beneficial in reducing disease risk in the future. Smoking cessation has been shown to reverse epigenetic changes in glycosylation pathways that increase cancer, CVD, and all-cause mortality risk, and CVD risk may be reduced if a dimeric glycosylated fusion protein pathway can be regulated. Selective food sources and synthetic vitamins and antioxidants have been shown to support normal glycosylation and help in the cell repair process., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 American Association of Nurse Practitioners.)

Genetics/Genomics is a relatively new science. The basic principles were formally described at the end of the 19th century, the physical structure of genes were described in the middle of the 20th century, and the first gene located in the early 1990s. Later, the human genome was sequenced. More and more genes have been located and described and some are now being manipulated. All health professions are struggling to infuse genomic content into the curriculum. This article traces the roots of the undergraduate and graduate nursing competencies and provides a brief review of the literature describing nursing genetic/genomics education.

Genomics influences the aging process in many different ways. This 10-part series of articles describes what is known about genetics and aging, including genes, adducts, and telomeres, decreased immune defenses, oxidation and inefficient mitochondria, toxins and radiation, glycosylation, caloric intake and sirtuin production, neurotransmitter imbalance, hormone mechanisms, reduced nitric oxide, and stem cell slowdown. This first article explores gene adducts as an epigenetic "sludge," the influence of telomeres and other mutations that contribute to DNA dysfunction, cell stress, and premature aging. Factors that contribute to adduct formation and reduced telomere length are presented along with some changes in behavior, environmental exposure, food/supplement use, weight, sleep, and exercise that have been found to reduce damage, potentially increasing longevity. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet that contains fruits and whole grains along with fiber, antioxidants (e.g., beta-carotene, vitamins C and E), omega-3 fatty acids, and soy protein may reduce DNA adducts and protect telomeres. So providers may want to recommend these simple but key clinical and individual changes to enhance DNA health, wellness, and longevity.

Health care designed specifically for a person based on their genetic makeup ("personalized" or "precision" medicine) is expanding rapidly, especially in the area of drug selection. Pharmacogenomic (PGx) testing, when drugs and doses are selected based on an individual's genetic profile, is increasingly being used to guide the selection of drugs or therapies to optimize outcomes and minimize side effects. Based on an individual's genetic blueprint, health care providers now have important information about how a drug is likely to behave in that individual's body. Pharmacogenomic information on drug labels is now available for nearly 250 drugs. Health care organizations are also increasingly making this information available to customers to reduce emergency department visits, improve outcomes (selecting the right chemotherapy doses), and reduce cost. This study reviews some of the challenges and benefits on using PGx testing to improve clinical outcomes.

This article explores the origin of the first cellular structures, briefly examines the process of evolution, explores some of the earlier challenges in human gene editing, explains how bacterial immune systems have provided the secret to a very powerful gene editing tool, and finally explores some of the very troubling ethical issues emerging with gene editing.