THE IMPACT OF SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS (SNPS) ON HUMAN HEALTH
Keywords:
Single nucleotide polymorphism, human genome, genetic variation, disease susceptibility, pharmacogenomics, precision medicine, gene regulation, epigenetics.Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most prevalent form of genetic variation in the human genome, occurring approximately once every 300 nucleotides. While many SNPs are phenotypically neutral, some exert profound effects on gene function, protein activity, and regulatory networks, influencing susceptibility to complex diseases, response to pharmacological treatments, and overall human health. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms by which SNPs impact health, the genetic and epigenetic interactions involved, disease-specific associations, and applications in precision medicine. Furthermore, challenges, ethical considerations, and future directions in SNP research are critically evaluated to emphasize their significance in advancing genomic medicine.
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