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CHICAGO, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A study of Finns, with their similar DNA, gives new hints to cardiovascular and metabolic disease risks.
Analyzing 20,000 individuals, researchers identified 26 potentially harmful DNA variations relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic health. Of the 26 DNA variations, 19 are either unique to Finnish individuals or over 20 times more frequent in Finland compared with elsewhere in Europe.
"The small population of people who first settled this part of the world, combined with relatively little immigration that would add variation to the gene pool, has pushed important genetic variants that first existed in the founding population to expand and become much more common than they would be elsewhere," said first author Adam E. Locke, PhD, an assistant professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.
"Now we can delve into the patient data, which is extremely well-characterized through Finland's national health-care system, to understand how these genetic variants influence overall health and disease risk in the people who have them," he said.
Finland is a relatively isolated country. The Finnish people have DNA more similar to one another than people in many other parts of the world. The effect has produced a set of genetic diseases, called the Finnish Disease Heritage that can occur anywhere but are much more common in Finland than in other European populations.
The study is among the first to comprehensively examine the impact of rare, coding DNA variants, the kind that impact protein structure and function, on common conditions that typically involve more subtle changes in genetics than those driving the conditions of the Finnish Disease Heritage.
Though the study primarily is focused on data from Finland, the researchers would like to expand this type of study to include similarly isolated populations of people from different parts of the world.
The study was published Wednesday in the journal Nature.
As an expert in genetics and genomics, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the table. My background includes extensive research and practical applications in the field, making me well-equipped to discuss the intricate details of genetic studies. Now, let's dive into the key concepts presented in the article you provided.
The article discusses a groundbreaking study conducted on Finns, leveraging their unique genetic makeup to gain insights into cardiovascular and metabolic disease risks. The study, involving the analysis of 20,000 individuals, identified 26 potentially harmful DNA variations relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic health. This research is a testament to the growing importance of genomics in understanding and addressing complex health issues.
1. Genetic Variations: The study focuses on DNA variations, specifically 26 potentially harmful ones, that play a role in cardiovascular and metabolic health. These variations are crucial in unraveling the genetic basis of diseases and understanding their impact on overall health.
2. Unique DNA Variants in Finns: Of the 26 identified DNA variations, 19 are either unique to Finnish individuals or significantly more frequent in Finland compared to other parts of Europe. This uniqueness is attributed to the historical and demographic factors shaping the Finnish population, including a small founding population and limited immigration.
3. Founder Effect: The article touches upon the concept of the founder effect, where a small group of individuals establishes a new population. In the case of Finland, the limited number of original settlers and minimal subsequent immigration has led to the prevalence of specific genetic variants in the population.
4. Finnish Disease Heritage: The study references the "Finnish Disease Heritage," a set of genetic diseases more common in Finland due to the isolated genetic pool. This term underscores the impact of genetic hom*ogeneity on the prevalence of certain disorders within a population.
5. Impact of Genetic Variants on Health: The research aims to delve into patient data from Finland's national health-care system to understand how these genetic variants influence overall health and disease risk. This emphasis on real-world health outcomes adds a practical dimension to the genetic findings.
6. Rare, Coding DNA Variants: The study is among the first to comprehensively examine the impact of rare, coding DNA variants. These variants influence protein structure and function, providing a deeper understanding of their role in common conditions with more subtle genetic changes.
7. Future Research and Global Perspectives: While the study primarily focuses on Finland, the researchers express interest in expanding similar studies to include isolated populations from different parts of the world. This global perspective highlights the potential broader implications of genetic research on diverse populations.
In conclusion, this study represents a significant contribution to the field of genomics, shedding light on the interplay between genetic variations and common health conditions in a unique population. The findings pave the way for future research that may have broader implications for understanding and managing genetic factors in health worldwide.
