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<p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/wendychung/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=230828-pod-wendychung&utm_content=230828-pod-wendychung-podfeed"> View the Show Notes Page for This Episode</a></p> <p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/subscribe/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=230828-pod-wendychung&utm_content=230828-pod-wendychung-podfeed"> Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content</a></p> <p><a href="https://peterattiamd.com/newsletter/?utm_source=podcast-feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=230828-pod-wendychung&utm_content=230828-pod-wendychung-podfeed"> Sign Up to Receive Peter's Weekly Newsletter</a></p> <p>Wendy Chung is a board-certified clinical and molecular geneticist with more than 25 years of experience in human genetic disease research. In this episode, Wendy delves deep into the world of genetics by first exploring the historical landscape of genetics prior to decoding the human genome, contrasting it with what we know today thanks to whole genome and exome sequencing. She provides an overview of genetic testing by differentiating between various genetic tests such as direct-to-consumer, clinical, whole genome sequencing, and more. Additionally, Wendy unravels the genetic underpinnings of conditions such as PKU, breast cancer, obesity, autism, and cardiovascular disease. Finally, Wendy goes in depth on the current state and exciting potential of gene therapy while also contemplating the economic implications and ethical nature of gene editing.</p> <p><strong>We discuss:</strong></p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Wendy's interest in genetics and work as a physician-scientist [2:45];</li> <li>The genetics of phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare inherited disorder [5:15];</li> <li>The evolution of genetic research: from DNA structure to whole genome sequencing [18:30];</li> <li>Insights and surprises that came out of the Human Genome Project [28:30];</li> <li>Overview of various types of genetic tests: direct-to-consumer, clinical, whole genome sequencing, and more [34:00];</li> <li>Whole genome sequencing [39:30];</li> <li>Germline mutations and the implications for older parents [45:15];</li> <li>Whole exome sequencing and the importance of read depth [50:30];</li> <li>Genetic testing for breast cancer [54:00];</li> <li>What information does direct-to-consumer testing provide (from companies like 23andMe and Ancestry.com)? [1:01:30];</li> <li>The GUARDIAN study and newborn genetic screening [1:06:30];</li> <li>Treating genetic disease with gene therapy [1:18:00];</li> <li>How gene therapy works, and the tragic story of Jesse Gelsinger [1:22:00];</li> <li>Use cases for gene therapy, gene addition vs. gene editing, CRISPR, and more [1:28:00];</li> <li>Two distinct gene editing strategies for addressing Tay-Sachs and fragile X syndrome [1:37:00];</li> <li>Exploring obesity as a polygenic disease: heritability, epigenetics, and more [1:41:15];</li> <li>The genetics of autism [1:48:45];</li> <li>The genetics of cardiovascular disease [2:01:45];</li> <li>The financial costs and economic considerations of gene therapy [2:06:15];</li> <li>The ethics of gene editing [2:12:00];</li> <li>The future of clinical genetics [2:21:00]; and</li> <li>More.</li> </ul> <p>Connect With Peter on <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterAttiaMD">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peterattiamd/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/peterattiamd/">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8kGsMa0LygSX9nkBcBH1Sg">YouTube</a></p>
Actionable Insights
1. PKU Management: Phenylalanine-Restricted Diet
If diagnosed with PKU, strictly adhere to a phenylalanine-restricted diet to prevent toxic byproducts from accumulating and causing intellectual disabilities.
2. Seek Second Opinion for Genetic Decisions
Before making major healthcare decisions based on genetic test results, such as a mastectomy, always seek a second opinion to confirm accuracy and avoid irreversible actions.
3. PKU & Pregnancy: Strict Dietary Awareness
Pregnant women with PKU must be extremely vigilant about their diet and aware of all food product contents to protect the developing fetus from adverse effects.
4. Understand Commercial Genetic Test Limitations
Do not rely on commercial genetic tests (e.g., 23andMe, Ancestry.com) for medical diagnoses or an ‘all clear’ on health risks, as they are not designed for medical purposes.
5. Consider Targeted Genetic Testing for Cancer
If you have a family history of cancer or specific ethnic heritage with known genetic risks (e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish for BRCA), consider targeted genetic testing for cancer risk.
6. Consider Medical Genetic Testing for Family Planning
For family planning, consider medical genetic testing to assess the risk of passing on recessive conditions like Tay-Sachs or cystic fibrosis to future children.
7. Explore Newborn Genomic Screening (Guardian)
If available, consider participating in newborn genomic screening studies like Guardian, which identify treatable rare diseases early, enabling timely intervention.
8. Uphold Ethics: Avoid Germline Gene Editing
Support the scientific consensus against germline gene editing, which involves making genetic changes transmissible to future generations, to maintain ethical boundaries.
9. Uphold Ethics: Avoid Gene Enhancement
Adhere to the ethical principle that gene therapy should be used for treating disease and improving health, not for ’enhancement’ of human traits.
10. Support Peter Attia’s Premium Membership
To deepen your knowledge in health and wellness, consider subscribing to Peter Attia’s premium membership for exclusive content and benefits.