The potential of molecular and cellular biology

Modern molecular and cellular biology provide many new techniques for the analysis of genes and proteins in normal and diseased cells. Most progress to date has occurred in cancer, infectious diseases and some areas of immunology because of the ability of the cells involved to proliferate. In colorectal cancer, genetic lesions may be detected now in at least three different chromosomal regions, and studies are underway to clarify the functions of the critical genes in each of these regions. Progress is now being made in other diseases such as Alzheimer's disease where cell proliferation is not a characteristic of the affected tissue. In general, large multidisciplinary teams, often with a substantial clinical input, are required for progress. New Zealand has a social structure which should facilitate the setting up of such groups, and in addition has a number of unique research problems worthy of study. It is important for funding bodies to realise the critical part which basic research has to play in approaching health problems, and to both plan and facilitate its development.