Torch, Spring/Summer 2007

Spring-Summer 2007 19 T which currently cripple and debilitate thousands of humans may become reality as genetic data are better understood and as technologies for gene delivery become more advanced. In addition to our study of the human genome, other genomic information is also proving useful for humans. For example, the genomes of several parasitic protozoans have been sequenced, including the parasites that cause malaria ( Plasmodium) , trichomoniasis ( Trichomonas ), and African sleeping sickness ( Trypanasoma) . Think of the advances in medicine that could be made in the developing world as we better understand these parasites and develop medications that will help humans defend against them. Many plant genomes, including wheat, rice, and maize, have also been sequenced. Advances in plant genetics should lead to heartier, more pest- resistant, and possibly more nutritious crops. This is important as we seek to balance the nutritional demands of a growing human population with the biblical command to be caretakers of the earth. The information we glean from yeast, bacterial, and animal genomes also stands to benefit humans, as many or all of these organisms are used as research models that directly benefit human and veterinary medicine. With all of the potential benefits of genetic information, is there any downside? Certainly privacy will be a major concern. If everyone’s DNA is entered into a database, there are a number of potential pitfalls. Should insurance companies have access to this information or just a person’s healthcare provider? Would insurance companies be able to deny coverage to a person based on their genetic information? How secure would this information be? All of these problems are in the realm of possibility. What about genetic therapies? Physicians have been in the business of healing since the fall of mankind. Genetic therapies are simply a new technology that will allow us to heal people from a greater number of diseases. However, with genetic therapy comes the possibility of genetic enhancement. The line between therapy and enhancement can be difficult to draw. Unfortunately, in our society, this line may simply come down to who can afford genetic enhancements and who cannot. As a result, people of lower socioeconomic status could become a genetic subclass, resulting in discrimination. The ultimate concern centers on what it means to be human. Are we humans more than the sum total of our nucleotide bases and their expression? Do we, as God’s image-bearers, have intrinsic value that transcends our biological selves? We must ensure that our technologies are stewarded well, to promote health and healing to humankind and to the environment. We are obligated, as disciples of a just God, to promote justice in the way that genetic data are used, so that no class of people is discriminated against. Genetic information is simply that — information. As a creation of God, it is good, even beautiful. Even though our genes, like everything else, have been corrupted by the fall, the information in those genes points to an omniscient, all-wise Creator. Genetic information, then, is certainly nothing to be feared. This information is a valuable, God-given resource with life-giving potential. However, like any resource, it must be used wisely in order to be beneficial. Dr. Heather Kuruvilla serves as associate professor of biology at Cedarville University and has been at Cedarville since 1997. She received her B.S. in biology from Houghton College and her Ph.D. in biological sciences from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is a member of the American Society for Cell Biology, where she presents research at their annual conference and serves on the Congressional Liaison Committee. Kuruvilla and her students continue to work together to publish scientific articles and abstracts on aspects of chemorepellent signaling.