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With the recent decoding of the human genome, research into human DNA damage
and repair will continue at the forefront of science. Among the areas that
will be pursued will be in-depth research into the premature aging syndromes
such as Werner syndrome. Scientists will learn how the genes that relate
to this and other syndromes like it act, realizing that understanding the
genetics of premature aging may also lead to understanding the genetics
of normal aging.
Researchers are also exploring why some people age more successfully
or later than others. They are looking at the genes that govern DNA repair
and asking if there are some versions of those genes that offer greater
benefits than others. This phenomenon, called polymorphism, refers to
the fact that genes come in different variants. Think of the genes for
eye color-they appear on the same spot on each of our chromosomes, but
some of us inherit a gene for blue eyes at that spot, others for brown.
Similarly, some of us probably inherit genes that promote accurate and
successful DNA repair, while others inherit less robust DNA repair systems.
As scientists develop a greater understanding of the processes of DNA
damage and repair, they will also pursue research into controlling those
processes. An exciting area of research will be the development of treatments
that can reduce the rate of DNA damage and other treatments that can improve
the efficiency and accuracy of DNA repair mechanisms.
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