What is the role that genetics plays in the disease.

Cellular processes and the genetic environment | NURS 6501 – Advanced Pathophysiology | Walden University

Genetics plays a large role in many diseases, and this is certainly true for the disease. Genetic factors can increase the risk of an individual developing the disease, as well as influencing its severity or course.

Inherited genetic variations can lead to changes in proteins that are necessary for normal functioning of cells, resulting in altered cellular processes or the formation of abnormal proteins which may cause various forms of dysfunction when present at high levels. This can affect all body systems and organs, leading to signs and symptoms associated with the disease. Furthermore, inherited genetic mutations may result in abnormalities that enable a greater susceptibility to environmental triggers like exposure to toxins or viruses which could also contribute to onset of illness.

Scientists have identified many different genes associated with the disorder; however it is still not entirely understood how they interact and combine together to influence clinical presentation or management strategies. It is believed that multiple gene-environment interactions cause a complex set of mechanisms resulting in expression age range, progression rate and even response differences between individuals with similar genotypes who develop the same condition. Additionally, researchers believe there may be more than one mutated gene involved in some cases–meaning an individual has two copies of an affected gene from each parent instead just one from either parent–which further complicates matters regarding diagnosis and treatment options available for those afflicted by it as certain medications will only work on certain variants due their specific pharmacological action profiles.