#266 - AMA #50: Genetics: how they impact disease risk, what you can do about it, testing, and more
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Aug 14, 2023
Dive into the intriguing world of genetics and its impact on disease risk. Discover why understanding your genetic makeup can be life-changing. Learn the differences between inherited traits and those influenced by the environment. Explore the fascinating role of twin studies in revealing how genes shape our health. Peter sheds light on when genetic testing is genuinely informative and guides you through various direct-to-consumer options. Empower yourself with knowledge on how genetics influence your biology and health decisions!
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insights INSIGHT
Genetics Defined
Genetics, the "nature" part of nature vs. nurture, are inherited from parents.
They influence physical, psychological, and social factors, predisposing us to various conditions.
insights INSIGHT
DNA's Role
DNA, like a cookbook, contains instructions (genes) for cell function.
Genes are expressed through transcription (DNA to RNA) and translation (RNA to protein).
insights INSIGHT
Genetic Inheritance
Humans have 23 chromosome pairs, one from each parent, containing two gene copies (alleles).
Some traits combine allele effects (hair texture), while others follow dominance patterns (hair color).
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In this "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) episode, Peter delves into the realm of genetics, unraveling its connection to disease and emphasizing the value of understanding one's genetic risks. He elucidates essential background knowledge on genetics before delving into the myriad reasons why individuals might consider genetic testing. Peter differentiates scenarios where genetic testing provides genuine insights from those where it may not be as useful. From there, Peter explores a comprehensive comparison of commercial direct-to-consumer genetic tests, providing insights on interpreting results and identifying the standout options for gaining insights into personal health.
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We discuss:
Defining the term “genetics” and why it’s important [2:15];
What is DNA, and how does it impact our biology and traits? [5:45];
How are genetics passed down from parent to child? [8:45];
How much do genes vary across individuals? [13:00];
Which traits are determined by genetics versus experience or environmental factors? [17:00];
Reasons for genetic testing [22:30];
What exactly is being measured by a genetic test? [29:15];
Testing for monogenic disorders [35:15];
Understanding polygenic risk [39:30];
Is genetic testing more important for someone who doesn’t know their family history? [40:45];
What does it mean to be positive for a particular variant? [43:00];
What does it mean to be negative for a particular variant? [45:45];
How does someone get genetic testing through their healthcare provider, and how are these tests performed? [48:15];
The financial cost of various genetic tests [54:30];
Could having a risk allele for a disease result in an increase in one’s insurance premium? [57:15];
Other risks associated with genetic testing [59:00];
How do commercial, direct-to-consumer genetic tests compare to the information one might receive from clinical genetic testing? [1:01:45];
Are certain direct-to-consumer tests better than others? [1:03:45];
How long until whole genome sequencing becomes genuinely useful? [1:16:00];
How useful are personalized dietary recommendations based on genetics? [1:18:15];
Final thoughts and advice regarding genetic testing [1:20:00]; and
The Peter Attia Drive