The data driven clinical decision making is an integral part of Population Health Research and Management based on evidence previously generated by Clinical Research , Outcomes and associated biological markers and other variables. A SNP or Snip is the marker most commonly used for such associations and correlation.
A change in genome at the lowest granular level could be defined as SNP or Single Nucleotide Polymorphism. Snips as they are generally called, are the markers of genetic change and dictate the expression of many diseases , progression of a disease and outcomes to certain treatments of a disease.
Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) are studies analyzing whole genome for variations and biomarkers , specifically the SNPs. A GWAS is a common approach that involves rapidly scanning markers across the complete sets of DNA, or genomes, of many people to find genetic variations associated with a particular disease.
With the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 and the International HapMap Project in 2005, it is possible to find the genetic contributions to common diseases. The tools include computerized databases that contain the reference human genome sequence, a map of human genetic variation and a set of new technologies that can quickly and accurately analyze whole-genome samples for genetic variations.
SNP profiles may help identify Cancer Genes
The impact on medical care from genome-wide association studies could potentially be substantial. In this era of personalized medicine, the current “one size-fits-all” approach to medical care will give way to more “tailor-made” personalized therapies based on the SNP profile.
SNP profiles may help stratify and predict predilection to certain diseases
SNP profiles may help predict response to certain drugs and therapies
SNP profiles may help decide type of therapy and the possible outcome
Soon we will have SNP profile ,which is more unique than any other UID, as a routine “vital” while entering a physicians office ! The geneChips are already in vogue and are routinely employed in Pain management and Surgical Anesthesia practices for induction and maintenance of anesthesia with optimum dose , reducing the post-operative complications. This also reduces cost in long run.
One other important use of SNP profile could be in monitoring therapies in population cohort with high risk “SNP profile” either during Adaptive clinical trials , pharmacovigilance , prophylaxis ,clinical research or therapies of chronic diseases like Diabetes , Psychiatric illnesses and Allergic Asthma.
Clinical Scientist 