SNPs and haplotypes: genetic markers for disease and drug response (review)

The genetic make-up of an individual not only determines disease susceptibility but also response to drug treatment. It is because of this reason tremendous progress has recently been made in cataloging human sequence variations with an intention such that a high-density map will provide necessary tools to develop genetic-based diagnostic and therapeutic options. The availability of the human DNA sequence, its variation between individuals and the functional understanding of genetic determinants between individuals may enable pharmaceutical companies to discover safer and effective drugs. This will provide physicians with better tools to select the most appropriate treatment for each patient and avoid drugs that cause adverse effects. When a personalized medication becomes a more realistic and beneficial treatment, every newborn child in the neonatal unit will probably be genotyped as a routine procedure for improved treatment. This newly developed toxicogenomic or pharmacogenomic field is rapidly advancing and may change the practice of medicine in the future, providing personalized medicine for each individual.