[Kim Jaeho's Life Story]<258> Diseases Caused by Functional Alterations of Genes

Everyone hopes to live healthily, and to live healthily, one must avoid getting sick and be able to recover well if illness occurs. To achieve this, it is essential to understand the causes of diseases. Humanity has continuously strived to uncover the causes of diseases, and the results of the Human Genome Project announced in 2003 included significant advancements.

Conducted over 13 years starting in 1990, the Human Genome Project aimed to identify the types and functions of genes made up of DNA, the smallest unit composing human cells, and to compare genetic differences among individuals, races, patients, and healthy people to determine the causes of diseases. The results contained a wealth of previously unknown information related to genes.

Disease is defined as a state in which physical or mental functions become abnormal. Diseases are commonly divided into infectious diseases caused by pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites entering the body, and non-infectious diseases that are not directly related to pathogens.

Research from the Human Genome Project confirmed that non-infectious diseases are genetic diseases caused by mutated genes within cells. The 2003 announcement of the project’s findings included a genetic map showing the chromosomal locations of mutated genes for each disease, providing strong hope that many fatal diseases would soon be conquered.

For example, if a person has lung cancer, it is due to a mutated gene located at the top of chromosome 3 in lung cells; if glaucoma occurs, the problem lies in a gene at the bottom of chromosome 1 in optic nerve cells; and if Alzheimer’s disease develops, it is caused by a gene at the bottom of chromosome 1 in brain cells.

However, unfortunately, even 21 years after the Human Genome Project results were made public, there has been no effective prevention or cure of diseases by identifying and eliminating the causes of gene mutations. Instead, there remains an obsession with symptom treatment methods used before the era of genetic knowledge, failing to satisfy the earnest wishes of people who want to live healthily.

Genetic diseases can be inherited congenitally from parents carrying mutated genes, but more often, genes become mutated later due to exposure to harmful environments or unhealthy lifestyles. These diseases can be categorized into three main types: single-gene diseases, chromosomal diseases, and multifactorial genetic diseases.

Single-gene diseases result from mutations in a single gene, with thousands of such diseases known, including cystic fibrosis. Chromosomal diseases generally arise from abnormalities in chromosome number or structure during cell division, such as Down syndrome. Multifactorial genetic diseases involve mutations in multiple genes and include numerous conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and obesity.

What does it mean for a gene to be mutated?

A gene is a kind of program made up of a long chain of DNA molecules, ranging from hundreds to over two million in number. DNA consists of three components: sugar, phosphate, and bases. The bases are four types: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). The sequence of these bases, called the nucleotide sequence, is very important because it conveys specific information.

Gene mutation means a change in the nucleotide sequence of a gene, such as the sequence ATGC changing to TACG, which alters the gene’s structure. When the gene’s structure changes, its program cannot function properly, leading to disease. The type of disease depends on which gene is mutated and where it is located, as shown on the genetic map.

However, many studies after the Human Genome Project have found cases where genes are mutated without changes in their nucleotide sequences. In these cases, genes maintain their original sequences but are simply not activated. This is because among the six billion DNA molecules in a single cell, non-gene DNA acts as switches that turn genes on or off.

This type of gene mutation differs from structural mutations that change the nucleotide sequence. Although the structure remains intact, the gene’s failure to activate means it cannot perform its function, which is similar to structural mutations and also causes genetic diseases. This phenomenon is called functional mutation and is likely more common than structural mutation.

Here, one important point to note is that during all our activities, including rest and sleep, genes inside cells must be activated to produce necessary proteins or RNA molecules. There is an omnipotent intelligence in the form of genes that mysteriously turns on the required genes when needed. The author refers to this gene function as the “best doctor prepared inside my body.”

However, for this “best doctor” inside the body to properly activate the necessary genes to prevent and cure genetic diseases, the switch DNA in front of the genes must be appropriately turned on. To create an environment where the best doctor can work well is the essence of Newstart, and Newstart is each person’s responsibility.

Among the eight components of Newstart, the first is a life diet, which involves eating a variety of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains in their whole form without selective eating. Along with this, it is important to reduce intake of sugar?which causes many problems when consumed excessively?as well as processed or refined bad carbohydrates, saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and alcohol.

Additionally, practicing the remaining Newstart components?exercise, water, sunlight, temperance, air, rest, trust, and love?is also important.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.