Inheritance Of Genetic Diseases: An Overview

As a couple, when you think about "having a baby," what thoughts come to your mind? Mostly, they must be related to “what you’re gonna name them” or the schools you wish to send them off to. The mere idea of having your own child brings you uttermost joy and happiness!

However, various variables connected with your child's health or overall well-being could play a role in influencing your perfect dream. And by health, we don't just mean your baby catching a common cold or cough. We’re talking about a rather serious issue, which is the risk of a baby being born with a genetic disorder. 

Couples are often unaware that certain health conditions or genetic disorders may “run in their families”. These may lead to inheritance of genetic diseases. You may now think, that if these disorders run in the family, how come you (or your family members) are unaffected. You’ll get answers to this and many such other questions in this blog. So read on to learn more!

You may have heard about disorders or health conditions that “runs in the family!” But what do they mean? When a specific disorder affects numerous members of the same family, it is referred to as a health condition that runs in the family!¹ These disorders could be caused by genetic mutations (genetic disorders) in the DNA which children could inherit. However in many cases, the develop as a result of extrinsic influences such as dietary choices, and environmental factors.¹

Genetic Disorders And Inheritance Patterns

A genetic disorder is a condition caused by a change ( which could be due to  mutation) in an individual's genome (DNA sequence).² These disorders may develop due to mutation in single or more than one gene (multiple gene).²  

Inheritance Of Genetic Disorders

To comprehend this, you need to understand the fundamental "rule of inheritance." A human being has 2 copies of every gene,i.e., one from the father and one from the mother. Every gene has some degree of modification, which is usually minor and has no effect on the genetic mechanism.³ However, some modifications can cause variations, also known as "mutations," which may influence the genetic mechanism, potentially leading to disorders.³

It can be challenging to tell whether a disorder "runs in the family." This is where LifeCell's GenesPass test comes in handy. This test evaluates the DNA of parents, assessing 2000+ genes that may be responsible for various genetic disorders. If these genes are passed down to the child, they can impact his or her health and overall well-being. However, a person inherits a genetic mutation (which may or may not develop into a disorder) from one‘s parents.

• Different Ways Genetic Disorders Can Be Inherited

When a disorder is caused by changes in a single gene, it is passed down in a simple manner. If a parent has a genetic disorders caused by mutations in a single gene, his or her child may also inherit (acquire) it.³ This kind of genetic inheritance is known as Mendelian Inheritance, as he was the pioneer who first saw similar patterns in pea plants.³ 

Now there are variations in the mode of inheritance for single-gene disorders, which are as follows:³

Apart from those mentioned above, there are other disorders known as complex or multifactorial disordes.It usually happens when a single gene having multiple mutations interacts with a variety of environmental and lifestyle factors (such as pollution, eating habits, exercise, etc.) to cause certain disorders.^11,12  Obesity, coronary heart disease, chronic non-specific respiratory disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and type 2 diabetes are common health conditions that fall under multifactorial or complex disorders.^11,12

• Importance Of Family Medical History

A family medical history consists of the health data of a person's close relatives.¹³ Children, siblings, parents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandparents, and cousins- up to three generations are all included in a full record.¹³

Since all members of a family have nearly identical genetic make-up along with comparable lifestyle and environments, identifying health conditions becomes easier.⁷ By carefully examining the family medical history, experts can determine whether a specific disorder will be passed onto future generations or not.¹³

• Family history can assist specialists in identifying  high risk of conditions (in an individual) such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, and even heart disease.¹³
• It can also help provide information on potential risks associated with more significant but rare health disorders (caused by mutations in a single gene), such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis.¹³

However, couples can also sign up for the inheritance test before getting married, especially in consanguineous marriages. A consanguineous marriage occurs when a couple shares similar bloodline, are first or second cousins, or inter-related.¹⁴ In such cases opting for tests, where one can know about their family history, helps.

• Couples with consanguineous marriages have twice the chances of passing genetic disorders to their children (compared to couples with non-related marriages).¹⁵ 
• Common genetic disorders amongst consanguineous  marriages include infantile cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, Down’s syndrome, thalassaemia, and hearing and visual disabilities.¹⁵ 

People with consanguineous marriages must thoroughly research their family history or can take a genetic screening test like the GenePass test to determine or prevent the possibility of having a child with a genetic disorder.

Ending Note!

We hope that by reading this blog, you have gained an understanding of how inheritance of genetic disorder works. And the importance of "genetic testing" for your baby's overall well-being. Couples who are planning for a baby or already expecting one, can take LifeCell's GenesPass test! It’s a carrier screening test that educates the pair about their genetic make-up and how it may or may not affect their baby's health.

So folks, what are you waiting for? Get tested today and don’t miss the opportunity to protect your baby from the possible risks and effects of an unknown genetic disorder. 

To know more about this test, you can connect with us at 18002665533.