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Hemochromatosis Symptoms, genetics

Building Up Iron: Hemochromatosis mutations

A couple of common mutations can cause you to build up iron, leading to iron overload or hemochromatosis. It is one genetic disease where knowledge is really powerful – you can completely prevent hemochromatosis through blood donations.

miRNAs control gene expression by blocking translation of mRNA into the protein.

miRNA: What It Is and How It Works

miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression. They are important for healthy aging, longevity, metabolic health, and immune function.

Fragile X Syndrome, FMR1 gene variants

Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X Syndrome is a genetic disorder that can cause changes in a person’s ability to learn and causes alterations in behavior. It is caused by mutations in the FMR1 gene.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, symptoms, theories of causes and genetic influence

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a life-altering condition that damages the bile ducts, thus impacting the liver. Learn about the research and heritability of this disabling disease.

Hereditary Transthyretin Amyloidosis hATTR

TTR gene: Amyloidosis, Cardiomyopathy, hATTR CM

New research shows that hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR) may be more common, especially in people of African ancestry. Understand your genetic risk before irreversible damage.

Cystic Fibrosis: Check to See if You are a Carrier

Cystic Fibrosis: Check to see if you are a carrier

Being a carrier of a cystic fibrosis mutation increases the risk of several diseases including pneumonia from respiratory viruses, pancreatitis, and male infertility. (Member’s article)

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, SERPINA gene variants that lead to A1AT deficiency

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Genetic Raw Data, Carrier Effects, Interactions with TNF

A genetic mutation in the SERPINA1 gene causes alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. This increases a person’s susceptibility to COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and, in some cases, cirrhosis of the liver. Knowing that you carry this mutation can be a great incentive to avoid smoking and to be kind to your liver.

Checking Your Carrier Status for Rare Genetic Diseases

The term “carrier status” when applied to a genetic disease usually means looking at whether or not you are heterozygous (have one copy) for a mutation that causes a Mendelian genetic disease. While genetic information from 23andMe or a similar DNA test is generally accurate, always re-confirm with a clinical test before making a major health decision. Your results on these variants could be a false positive or a false negative. (Member’s article)