Diagnosing Huntington's Disease Using Gel Electrophoresis

Students will use Gel Electrophoresis to diagnose the dominant, fatal, genetic disorder of Huntington's Disease, a neurodegenerative disorder caused by an excessive number of CAG repeats in the DNA which results in the aggregation of Huntington proteins that blocks proper neurological functioning. It is a great way to introduce the biotechnology of gel electrophoresis using a backdrop of student understanding of genetics and the impact of mutations on protein structure and function. In addition, by using a "case study" approach, this humanizes the diagnostic aspect and introduces the ethical questions surrounding genetic testing including whether or not the people involved will ever be eligible for health insurance if they test positive for the disorder.