Elliot had his genome mapped to treat recurring tumors
Genome mapping is the creation of a genetic map assigning DNA fragments to chromosomes. This map improves with the scientific progress and is perfect when the genomic DNA sequencing of the species has been completed.
Dr. Miranda Bailey has a genome lab at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, where she occupies herself with disease-association. This is the process of identifying a genetic element that is responsible for a disease, allowing her to custom design a specific drug to treat the disease.
A person's genome map also allows physicians to predict the probability of disease and institute preventive measures either in order to prevent the disease altogether or significantly decrease its impact upon the patient. This is also known as predictive medicine. There are other techniques to predict disease, but genome mapping is by far the most fundamental. Because of this, genome mapping is sometimes viewed as the future of medicine.
Notable Mappings[]
- Meredith Grey: Bailey made a genome map of Meredith, who wanted to know if she was going to get Alzheimer's. The genome map revealed that Meredith indeed has the specific markers for Alzheimer's disease.
- Zola Grey Shepherd: Meredith also asked Bailey to map Zola, as she and Derek genetically didn't know anything about her. Bailey agreed to this, though she wasn't able to get a clear read. She said they would have to try again, but it's unknown if they ever did.
- Derek Shepherd: To show Meredith, who started to worry about when she'd show the first symptoms of Alzheimer's, that she didn't have to panic about it that much, Derek also had his genomes mapped. His genome map revealed that he was at risk for prostate cancer and baldness, as well as heroin addiction.
- Elliot Hooks: Elliot is a regular patient at the hospital, as he has recurring bronchial tumors. Bailey proposed finding the specific gene that caused the recurrence of the tumors, so she could custom design a drug for him that would stop the growth. She and Leah recently took samples of one of the tumors, so they can create a map to localize the specific gene.