We are all kind of like our parents. Blue eyes, a mole on the arm, blond hair or the gift of playing the piano - all this, one way or another, we received from our relatives. However, dangerous diseases can also be inherited. Cancer, hemophilia, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, asthma - and this is just an incomplete list of diseases that can be obtained from your relatives. But only in the last century did science appear, which is 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 surrounding world. Biology includes many different disciplines, but all of them are combined into three large groups according to the type of studied organisms: botany, zoology and anatomy. Botany studies plants, zoology studies animals, and human anatomy, respectively. It is from anatomy that such a branch of biology as medicine originates.
Medicine is a combination 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, and 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 healthy future for people.
History of Molecular Biology
In the XX century, the first meeting of several branches of biology took place: biochemistry, genetics, virology and microbiology. Combining these sciences, scientists were confused: no one knew what their research would lead to and whether they had any meaning at all. But already in 1938, the American scientist Waren Weaver introduced the concept of "molecular biology", and in 1953 this science was born. James Watson and Francis Crick appeared in the English journal Nature, where they proposed a double-stranded model of a DNA molecule. Later, in 1961-1965, scientists found that there is a definite connection in DNA and the structure of a protein: there is a genetic code that establishes a certain sequence between the nucleotides of DNA and the amino acids in the protein.
After these discoveries of molecular biology, it took about 15 years to improve 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 a cell will 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 scientists of Russia is Professor E.I. Schwartz, whose research laid the scientific basis for understanding genetic factors.
The importance of molecular biology for medicine is very great. If the main subject is the study of molecular biology - DNA, RNA and protein molecules, then for medicine it is a material that allows you to identify genes that carry various diseases.
Molecular medicine methods
In total, three treatment methods are distinguished: etiological, pathogenetic, and symptomatic. The duration of such treatment may be delayed, since each of these methods is very difficult to implement. The doctor requires increased attention to the individual characteristics of the person.
The etiological method of treatment involves blocking the cause of the disease. This 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 hereditary disease. It affects the metabolism and is carried out using the correction of metabolic and hormonal disorders. One of the most popular methods of pathogenetic therapy are: diet therapy, suppression of enzyme activity, excretion or compensation of the substrate (if excreted, it is a product that is toxic to the body), replacement of damaged cells or tissues, and surgical intervention.
The symptomatic method only alleviates the condition of the patient. The effect of symptomatic therapy has a short duration. The main goal of such therapy is to reduce the rate of disease progression. For example, in asthma, doctors use salbutamols (substances that suppress asthma and make breathing easier during attacks), but such drugs only block the symptoms of the disease, but do not contribute to its treatment.
Occupations related to molecular biology
This list contains the 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, the creation of artificial organs (for example, prostheses). Having received the education of a bioengineer, you can be absolutely sure that you will not be left without work.
- A biotechnologist includes medicine, pharmaceuticals and genetic engineering. Biotechnology is very popular in the modern world, because their knowledge will be useful in all sectors of our lives: in food, pharmaceutical, perfumery, cosmetics, veterinary and processing.
- Genetic consultant. 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 specialty is that under the influence of chemicals, the doctor tries to make changes to the human gene for treatment purposes. In addition, a genetic consultant can choose the right diet for you, establish relationships between people, etc.
- IT geneticist. This profession is just beginning to develop, but already plays a significant role for our future. An IT geneticist is involved in genome programming for specific parameters. This method of treatment will be effective against hereditary diseases.
- Tissue engineer. Just like an IT geneticist, a developing profession. A tissue engineer is developing a specific tissue or organ.
- Molecular nutritionist. It studies the molecular composition of food and creates an individual nutrition program for a person.
Institutes
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.
SPbSU is one of those places that makes it possible to get any profession in the field of molecular medicine: biotechnologist, genetic engineer, molecular biologist and many other specialties. Passing score in 2017 (on budget): from 260.
MIPT is the place where you can learn to be a tissue engineer, as well as a biopharmacologist. Passing score in 2018: from 262.
Moscow State University is 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 in biotechnology or bioengineering. Passing score in 2017: from 244.
RNIMU is a Moscow university that teaches you in the direction 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.
PSMU them. Sechenov is another Moscow university, where you can get a biotechnology education. Passing score in 2017: from 242.
Clinics of molecular medicine in Russia
Throughout our country there are a huge number of various centers, clinics, hospitals, but not all of them can provide the opportunity to treat our body from hereditary diseases. Nevertheless, in Russia there are still special medical institutions.
CMD - Center for Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics, provides an opportunity for examination since 1992. Laboratories carry out qualitative tests, 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 ul. Moskvorechye, 1. The center provides you with tests for the detection of 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 such as INVITRO is distributed throughout Russia. In these clinics, you can make a full genetic analysis (the price is about 70,000-80000 thousand rubles), identify your predisposition to alcoholism, or prevent the development of cancer. INVITRO offers any services at an affordable price.
In addition, in Irkutsk there is a Clinic for the Center for Molecular Diagnostics - one of the largest clinics in Siberia. Here you can not only get advice, but also treat every member of your family.
Medical advances today
In 2018, the whole world heard the news that doctors from the United States managed to cure breast cancer in a woman in the last, fourth stage. In her body, lymphocytes were found that can fight cancer cells. Doctors recreated and multiplied 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 of this method, since it is difficult to identify precisely those cells that “hunt” for the cells of this dangerous disease. In the future, this method is planned to be applied to other patients.
It is this case that proves that molecular biology and medicine do not stand still.
What will happen next?
Progress in molecular biology and genetic engineering is not standing still. None of us can imagine what will happen next. We offer you to watch an incredibly interesting video from the DeeAFilm Studio channel on this topic.