Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Miscellaneous Questions => Topic started by: zahra on September 10, 2011, 04:58:20 AM

Title: molecular phenotyping
Post by: zahra on September 10, 2011, 04:58:20 AM

Hi

Is molecular phenotyping like extended phenotyping or genotyping or something entirely different?

Zahra

Title: Re: molecular phenotyping
Post by: Andy Battaglia on September 10, 2011, 08:08:26 PM

Molecular phenotyping is fairly new and the objective is to predict the outcome of a disease or disorder by analyzing relevant genetic factors. I believe that we are well on the road to the point where a DNA analysis of a thal will be able to predict the eventual outcome or phenotype for that patient, right down to transfusion and chelation requirements.

Title: Re: molecular phenotyping
Post by: zahra on September 11, 2011, 02:07:28 AM

Thank you Andy for explaining this. What can I expect to find out from the result of this test? Will it be able to help me decide about whether to go for a transplant or not?
Zahra

Title: Re: molecular phenotyping
Post by: Andy Battaglia on September 12, 2011, 12:17:06 AM

Zahra,

It might be used to predict your son's long term condition, but in the context of BMT, it may have some value in assessing if BMT will succeed. I imagine it might have some use in matching donor and recipient.

Title: Re: molecular phenotyping
Post by: zahra on September 12, 2011, 04:59:58 AM

Hi Andy,
Thank you for explaining this to me. I am going to ask the doctor about it again on my next visit. i looked for this on the internet and wasnt able to find anything that made sense to me. I dont know what we'd do without you.
Zahra