Genomics is a branch of molecular biology to do with the structure, function, evolution and mapping of a genome of an organism.
- It's the study of all of the person's genes - including interactions of those genes with each other and a person's environment.
- The UK is recognised worldwide as a leader in genomics and the unique structure of the NHS allows them to deliver advances at a scale.
Genomics is important because it can help us identify the cause of genetic diseases
- Some rare diseases are caused by a simple change (variant) in DNA - a bit like a spelling mistake.
- Looking at a person's genome can help find which DNA changes might be causing the problem.
Genomics and Cancer
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In cancer, the tumour cells have developed a different genome to the healthy cells.
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Comparing the normal and cancer genomes may give clues about ways to treat the cancer.
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For some patients, learning more about their genome may mean that a particular treatment can be recommended.
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