I need a current topic which decribes the possible applications of studying DNA structure and function@ humans

Question

BIO101

Answer 1

Histone deacetylases (or HDACS) are transcription factors which remove an acetyl group from histone protiens (proteins that make up DNA).  Generally, a deacetylation of histone protein causes the DNA to wind more tightly and prevents genes from being transcribed.  Alternatively, an acetylation reaction causes DNA to unwind, allowing polymerases to be recruited to the appropriate genes, and transcription proceeds.  

As you may already know, cancer is a disease involving the loss of gene regulation that ultimately results in uncontrolled cell growth.  Although many cancer drugs are currently being investigated, HDAC inhibitors are an interesting candidate.  So your topic could be HDAC inhibitors as anti-cancer drugs, because they have the ability to prevent certain modifications of DNA, thus changing the structure and function.

If you read the 2nd link, you will see that no one is really sure how HDAC inhibitors really could work as anti-cancer drugs... they might function to prevent deacetylation of other proteins such as transcription factors.  But one hypothesis for their mechanism of action is certainly at the level of regulating DNA structure and function.

I think this is a pretty interesting and relevant topic, and it is also current.  Have fun, whatever you choose.

Answer 2

Diseases and possible cures

The idea that some insurance companies would eventually like a "Genetic profile" on clients to see if they are predisposed to certain genetic conditions