What if there is a super-hero gene that protects people from mutations in their DNA that would otherwise be terribly debilitating or fatal? What if we could find that super-hero gene? What if it could save the lives of millions? What if you are the one person in a million that carries that super-hero gene…and you don’t even know it because that special gene has been protecting you all of your life?
This is not as far fetched as it sounds. In fact, it’s not far-fetched at all. In the article, “Genetic Heroes May be Key to Treating Debilitating Diseases,” we learn that cystic fibrosis is exactly like that today. Some people who carry the mutations for cystic fibrosis live entirely normal lives. Most don’t. Of course, if you’re one of the healthy ones, chances are you have no idea that you carry such a useful super-hero gene.
The Resilience Project is looking for those lucky ones among us. They believe that maybe one in 15,000 or 20,000 people carry a super-hero gene.
You can sign up. It’s painless, just a vial to collect your saliva. The team is looking at about 125 specific diseases, and most people will simply be notified that they don’t carry two copies of the mutated alleles that cause the diseases.
I’ve signed up by clicking on the “Register Now” button. I would love to be part of a solution to a long-standing disease. Who knows – maybe I’m the one…or maybe you are.
You can read more about the project in the May 30 issue of Science.