The study of molecular genetics has developed quite remarkably over the past century. The Human Genome Project, which was conducted from 1990 to 2003, has allowed scientists (and the general public) to gain substantial knowledge about the sequence of the human genome. By mapping out the order of every nitrogenous base that sets humans apart from other species, scientists have discovered the potential that lays in the future applications of gene manipulation. Now that the genome has been successfully sequenced, and its contents have been openly shared amongst society, modern technology can be used to identify many of the trademark genes linked to a variety of genetic disorders, such as diabetes, breast cancer, and hemophilia. Knowledge is an incredibly powerful tool and this information can be utilized in developing gene therapy that target these trademark genes and manipulate them in such a way that the disease (and thus the future of the individual) is beneficially altered. The purpose of initiating the Human Genome Project in 1990 was to apply this information and to unlock its potential to help millions of suffering people worldwide. To deny the exploration of this knowledge would be equivalent to denying millions of people the right to a healthy, rewarding life, free from any form of mental, physical or financial suffering. The Human Genome Project required billions of dollars, thousands of global employees and countless hours of dedicated work. This price needed to be paid in order to unlock the cures, treatments and therapies that lie in its code. It would be incredibly selfish and pointless to have gotten this far in molecular genetic research and decide to terminate it. There is no purpose in knowing the sequence of the 3 billion nitrogenous bases that make up our genome, unless it is given the opportunity to be applied. Many applications of gene therapy will require the manipulation of the genome. The human species is one characterized by intelligence, creativity and comprehension. It would be a shame to end the extent of our research when the result could certainly be the end of suffering for those struggling with genetic disorders.
 
           I personally have been affected with the diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes, which has been thought to possess a genetic component. The gene linked with Type 1 Diabetes has already been identified as the CTLA-4 gene region on chromosome 2. Being diabetic has exposed me to a variety of physical, emotional and financial challenges. Being affected by any genetic disease does not end on the day of diagnosis—it is a lifelong struggle that requires constant medical attention, and chronic fear. If given the choice, I would certainly choose to have this disorder cured, both for myself as well as the millions of other young children coping with Type 1 Diabetes. The acquisition of this knowledge gives us the power to change it, and would likely lead to a cure. Gene manipulation provides a substantial amount of hope for people like me who deal with a genetic condition on a daily basis. It would drastically alter our standard of life in a beneficial manner, and the relief that it will bring can only be understood by those who have been personally affected by this inevitable suffering that is associated with genetic disorders. Denying the potential for the development of genetic applications that could lead to the alleviation of the suffering of millions would be cruel and hypocritical to the initial intention behind the HGP. The human species has been blessed with vast amounts of knowledge and insight, and it is time to focus on serving the common good of society by unleashing the knowledge (and limitless applications) that lie within the human genome.

Works Cited

"DNA - Episode 5 of 5 - Pandora's Box - PBS Documentary." YouTube. YouTube, 23 Mar. 2013. Web. 9 Jan. 2014. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe4EW3AOgzs>.

"Human Molecular Genetics - Type 1 Diabetes and the CTLA-4 Gene Region." Oxford Journals. Web. 13 Jan. 2014. <http://hmg.oxfordjournals.org/content/5/7/1075.short>.

"An Overview of the Human Genome Project." Genome.gov. Web. 13 Jan. 2014. <http://www.genome.gov/12011238>.