The laboratory strongly believes that the fundamental issue in genetics of any complex disease is its population. Populations differ due to
- Mating pattern
- Migration
- Natural selection
- Fertility differences
- Genetic drift, etc.
This may then lead to variations in response to different extrinsic or intrinsic factors due to
- Physiological,
- Immunological
- Biochemical responses
Therefore we extensively survey the population genetics of South Indian population with specific reference to Kerala population. We use genetics markers with following functionalities.
Microsatellite markers:
These are physical landmarks in the human genome or even can be referred as milestones in the genome of any individual. It is extensively used to address origin and migration, establishment of hierarchical system in different religions, forensic and paternity issues, probability search of crime suspects, disease endemicity, disease gene mapping, |
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Recently these markers are implicated in cancers and mental disorders.
Immunogenetic markers:
These are markers will reflect on the immune responses or immune capability of an individual under a desired condition or threat. These are extensively used for crossmatching of donors, drug response, host response to vaccines or infectious disease.
Pharmacogenetic markers:
These markers are important to address the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a drug. It is critical to evaluate these markers in order to minimize the side effects of a drug, effects of your food habits and drug dosage.
Epigenetic markers:
These markers are essential to understand the gene environment interactions. Methylation status and chromatin modeling are the pugmarks of epigenetic effects in an individual or population. These are critical in understanding the phenotypic diversity in a genetically homogenous population.
These markers are extensively used in the laboratory to understand genetics and pharmacogenetics of Schizophrenia, Epilepsy, Aneurysms and Autism. |
RGCB