Daily Current Affairs : 31-July-2023
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a fascinating and valuable technique that has captured the attention of researchers worldwide. This innovative approach allows for a deeper comprehension of human diseases, facilitating improved diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis. In this essay, we will explore the concept of cell-free DNA, its discovery, and its applications in various medical fields.
What is Cell-free DNA?
Cell-free DNA, also known as cfDNA, refers to small nucleic acid fragments found in bodily fluids outside of cells after being released from cells. Its presence was initially noticed in the blood of pregnant women in the late 1940s, marking its first discovery. The release of cfDNA from cells can occur due to cell death and various other physiological processes. Furthermore, several disease processes, including autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, have been linked to the release of cfDNA.
Applications of cfDNA
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing
One of the most widely recognized applications of cfDNA is in non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). This revolutionary approach allows clinicians to screen fetuses for specific chromosomal abnormalities without the need for invasive procedures that could pose risks to both the mother and the fetus. By employing affordable genome-sequencing techniques, clinicians can sequence cfDNA fragments corresponding to fetal DNA. Consequently, they can identify specific chromosomal abnormalities, such as changes in the chromosomal copy number. These changes may lead to conditions like Down’s syndrome, caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.
Monitoring Cancer
Researchers have made significant strides in the field of cancer detection using cfDNA. The development of the ‘Genome-wide Mutational Incidence for Non-Invasive detection of cancer’ (GEMINI) test has brought hope for early cancer detection. By combining genetic mutation analysis with machine-learning approaches, this test can potentially detect cancer at its early stages. By analyzing genomic data and data from computed tomography (CT) scans, researchers successfully identified over 300 individuals at a very high risk of developing lung cancer. This breakthrough holds promise for improved cancer diagnosis and better treatment outcomes.
Organ Transplant
Another promising application of cfDNA lies in organ transplant medicine. By utilizing cfDNA, researchers and clinicians may gain valuable insights into why a transplanted organ is facing rejection by the recipient’s body. Through donor-derived cfDNA (dd-cfDNA), an early and precise estimation of how well the organ is being assimilated can be obtained. This knowledge can lead to proactive interventions, enhancing the success rates of organ transplant procedures.
Other Uses
The potential applications of cfDNA are not limited to prenatal testing, cancer monitoring, and organ transplant medicine. In fact, cfDNA could serve as a biomarker for a wide range of medical conditions. Some of these potential uses include:
- Metabolic Diseases: cfDNA could be employed as a biomarker for metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Early detection of such conditions could facilitate timely interventions and better disease management.
- Neurological Disorders: The application of cfDNA as a biomarker extends to neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, neuronal tumors, stroke, and traumatic brain damage. By detecting changes in cfDNA associated with these conditions, clinicians may diagnose and treat patients more effectively.
Important Points:
- Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a technique used by researchers worldwide to understand human diseases and improve diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis.
- CfDNA refers to small nucleic acid fragments found in bodily fluids after being released from cells due to cell death and physiological processes.
- It was first noticed in the blood of pregnant women in the late 1940s.
- Several disease processes, including autoimmune conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, are linked to the release of cfDNA.
- Important applications of cfDNA include:
- Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) for screening fetuses for chromosomal abnormalities.
- Monitoring Cancer using the ‘Genome-wide Mutational Incidence for Non-Invasive detection of cancer’ (GEMINI) test, which combines genetic mutation analysis with machine learning for early cancer detection.
- Organ Transplant assessment by using donor-derived cfDNA (dd-cfDNA) to determine organ rejection early on.
- Potential use as a biomarker for various medical conditions, including metabolic diseases (type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and neurological disorders (Alzheimer’s disease, neuronal tumors, stroke, traumatic brain damage).
- CfDNA has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by enabling non-invasive diagnostics and improving disease management.
- As technology advances, further refinements and novel applications of cfDNA are expected, leading to advancements in medical research and better patient outcomes.
Why In News
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has emerged as a powerful and versatile tool, extensively employed by researchers worldwide to unravel the intricacies of human diseases and revolutionize diagnostic, monitoring, and prognostic approaches.By unlocking valuable insights encoded in cfDNA, researchers are accelerating the advancement of precision medicine, paving the way for more targeted and personalized therapeutic interventions.
MCQs about Harnessing Cell-Free DNA for Medical Advancements
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What is cell-free DNA (cfDNA)?
A. Small nucleic acid fragments found in bodily fluids outside of cells.
B. Genetic material found inside cells.
C. A type of cancer screening technique.
D. A technique used to monitor fetal development.
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Which of the following is NOT an application of cell-free DNA (cfDNA)?
A. Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) for screening fetuses.
B. Monitoring cancer using the ‘GEMINI’ test.
C. Diagnosis of genetic disorders in adults.
D. Assessing organ transplant rejection.
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How does the ‘GEMINI’ test work in monitoring cancer?
A. It analyzes genomic data and CT scans to identify over 300 individuals at risk of developing cancer.
B. It involves invasive procedures to collect tumor samples for analysis.
C. It screens fetuses for chromosomal abnormalities.
D. It assesses organ transplant success.
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How can cfDNA be utilized as a biomarker?
A. To determine the sex of a fetus during pregnancy.
B. To assess liver function in patients with diabetes.
C. To detect early signs of lung cancer in smokers.
D. To predict chromosomal abnormalities in newborns.
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