Essay 1 KYY
[의료바이오]개화 앞둔 유전체 분석 시장, 기대 반 우려 반
Genetic analysis is a double-edged sword. Purpose is prevention of a disease and patient specific treatments. The United States and countries in Europe have already used genetic analysis to diagnosis and treatment of cancer and even cosmetics. For example, a famous Hollywood star Angelina Jolie excised breast and ovary because she has a mutation at BRCA gene. BRCA is a protein that participates in DNA repair system. The Government of South Korea also revised Bioethics and Safety Act in December, 2015. Forty-two target genes are related to BMI, concentration of triglyceride, cholesterol, skin aging, skin elasticity, blood sugar, blood pressure and so on. But a bill does not include about genes that are related to cancer or other severe diseases. Also they excluded essential check list, such as adverse drug effect and screening of carrier. Thus it can be difficult to be used medically. I think that it can be misused for purpose of beauty. Because target genes are related to BMI and skin. People in Republic of Korea are interested in appearance and looking pretty and self-conscious. Also to go back to original purpose, we add genes that are related to cancer and severe disease.