We are all somewhat like our parents. Blue eyes, a mole on the hand, blond hair or the gift to play the piano - all this we, one way or another, received from our relatives. However, dangerous diseases can also be inherited. Cancer, hemophilia, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, asthma - and this is just a partial list of diseases that you can get from your relatives. But it was only in the last century that a science appeared that was destined to change our future. What this science is and why it is important in our time, you will learn from this article.
Biology and medicine
Biology (from the Greek "bio" - life, "logos" - teaching) is a science that studies all living organisms, their interactions with each other and with the outside world. Biology includes many different disciplines, but all of them are combined into three large groups according to the type of organisms studied: botany, zoology and anatomy. Botany is the study of plants, zoology is the study of animals, and anatomy,respectively, a person. It is from anatomy that such a section of biology as medicine originates.
Medicine is a set of theoretical and practical knowledge aimed at the treatment and prevention of diseases. The merit of medicine is enormous: we no longer suffer from smallpox, rabies, do not suffer from pain, because there are special pills to eliminate them. Our life has become much easier thanks to the evolution of this science. But viruses and bacteria, like all living organisms, adapt to new conditions (mutate) and become more resistant to drugs, so the main task of medicine is to get ahead of this mutation and ensure a he althy future for people.
History of molecular biology
In the XX century for the first time there was a meeting of several sections of biology: biochemistry, genetics, virology and microbiology. Having combined these sciences, scientists were confused: no one knew what their research would lead to and whether they made any sense at all. But already in 1938, the American scientist Varen Weaver introduced the concept of "molecular biology", and in 1953 this science was born. An article by James Watson and Francis Crick appeared in the English journal Nature, where they proposed a double-stranded model of the DNA molecule. Later, in 1961-1965, scientists found that there is a certain connection between DNA and protein structure: there is a genetic code that establishes a certain sequence between DNA nucleotides and amino acids in a protein.
After these discoveries, molecular biology took about 15 years toimprove its system and give rise to new important sciences.
History of molecular medicine
With the development of molecular biology, scientists realized that the study of the molecules of the most important organelles of the cell would help them in medicine.
It is worth noting that the history of this science began relatively recently and is actively developing in our time. One of the prominent Russian scientists is Professor E. I. Schwartz, whose research laid the scientific foundation for understanding genetic factors.
The importance of molecular biology for medicine is very high. If the main subject of study of molecular biology is DNA, RNA and protein molecules, then for medicine it is a material that makes it possible to identify genes that carry various diseases.
Molecular Medicine Methods
In total, there are three methods of treatment: etiological, pathogenetic and symptomatic. The duration of such treatment can be delayed, since each of these methods is very difficult to perform. The doctor is required to pay increased attention to the individual characteristics of a person.
Etiological method of treatment involves blocking the cause of the disease. Such therapy is aimed at correcting genetic defects, as well as replacing damaged tissues and somatic cells.
The pathogenetic method is engaged in the elimination and blocking of the mechanisms of a hereditary disease. It affects the metabolism and is carried out by correcting metabolic and hormonal disorders. One of the most popular methods of pathogenetic therapyare: diet therapy, inhibition of enzyme activity, excretion or replacement of the substrate (if excreted, this is a product that has a toxic effect on the body), replacement of damaged cells or tissues, and surgical intervention.
The symptomatic method only alleviates the patient's condition. The effect of symptomatic therapy has a short duration. The main goal of such therapy is to reduce the rate of progression of the disease. For example, doctors use salbutamols (substances that suppress the symptoms of asthma and make breathing easier during attacks) for asthma, but these drugs only block the symptoms of the disease, but do not help to cure it.
Professions related to molecular biology
This list contains professions that will be in demand both now and in the near future.
- Bioengineer. This profession specializes in changing the properties of a living organism. A bioengineer studies the molecular structure of a species, its features and capabilities. Such scientists are engaged in the development of genetically modified organisms, drugs, and the creation of artificial organs (for example, prostheses). By graduating as a bioengineer, you can be absolutely sure that you will not be left without a job.
- Biotechnology includes medicine, pharmaceuticals and genetic engineering. Biotechnologists are in great demand in the modern world, because their knowledge will be useful in all areas of our lives: in food, pharmaceutical, perfumery and cosmetics, veterinary and processing.
- Geneticconsultant. One of the most important professions of the future. A geneticist advises patients on the prevention and treatment of hereditary diseases. The essence of this speci alty is that under the influence of chemicals, the doctor tries to make changes in the human gene for the purpose of treatment. In addition, a genetic consultant can choose the right diet for you, establish the relationship between people, etc.
- IT geneticist. This profession is just beginning its development, but already plays a significant role for our future. An IT geneticist is engaged in programming the genome for certain parameters. This method of treatment will be effective against hereditary diseases.
- Tissue engineer. Just like an IT geneticist, it is a growing profession. A tissue engineer deals with the development of a particular tissue or organ.
- Molecular nutritionist. He studies the molecular composition of food and creates an individual nutrition program for a person.
Institutions
There are a lot of universities providing education in the field of biology and medicine in Russia. Therefore, below you can find out about the best institutes of molecular medicine.
St. Petersburg State University is one of those places that gives you the opportunity to get any profession in the field of molecular medicine: a biotechnologist, a genetic engineer, a molecular biologist and many other speci alties. Passing score in 2017 (for the budget): from 260.
MIPT is the place where you can study to be a tissue engineer, as well as a biopharmacologist. Passing score in 2018: from 262.
MGU -the best university in Russia, where you can study for all the professions presented in the list above. Passing score in 2017: from 429.
ITMO is one of the best universities where you can get an education as a biotechnologist or bioengineer. Passing score in 2017: from 244.
RNIMU is a Moscow university that teaches you in the field of biomedicine. Passing score in 2017: from 242.
NSU is one of the sought-after universities in Russia, which actively cooperates with foreign institutions. Passing score in 2017: from 244.
PMGMU them. Sechenov is another Moscow university where you can get an education as a biotechnologist. Passing score in 2017: from 242.
Molecular medicine clinics in Russia
Throughout our country there are a huge number of all kinds of centers, clinics, hospitals, but not all of them can provide the opportunity to treat our body from hereditary diseases. Nevertheless, there are still special medical institutions in Russia.
CMD - Center for Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, has been providing examinations since 1992. Laboratories conduct qualitative analyzes, during which you can get an accurate result. You will find this center in Moscow and the Moscow region.
Another Center for Molecular Genetics is also located in Moscow at the address: st. Moskvorechye, d.1. The center provides you with tests to detect mutations in various genes, a genetic predisposition to a particular disease, and also establishes paternity or conducts a forensic genetic examination.
A private medical company like INVITRO is spread throughout Russia. In these clinics, you can do a complete genetic analysis (the price is about 70,000-80,000 thousand rubles), identify your predisposition to alcoholism, or prevent the development of cancer. INVITRO offers any service at an affordable price.
Besides this, in Irkutsk there is a Clinic of the Center for Molecular Diagnostics - one of the largest clinics in Siberia. Here you can not only get advice, but also treatment for each member of your family.
Advances in medicine today
In 2018, the whole world heard the news that doctors from the United States managed to cure breast cancer in a woman at the last, fourth stage. Lymphocytes capable of fighting cancer cells were found in her body. Doctors recreated and greatly increased their numbers, and then intravenously injected into the body. The destructive effect of such lymphocytes led to the complete elimination of the tumor within three months.
Doctors are skeptical about this method, because it is difficult to identify exactly those cells that "hunt" for the cells of this most dangerous disease. In the future, this method is planned to be applied to other patients.
This case proves that molecular biology and medicine do not stand still.
What happens next?
Progress in the field of molecular biology and genetic engineering does not stand still. None of us has any idea what will happen next. We offerwatch you an incredibly interesting video from the DeeAFilm Studio channel on this topic.
