Genomic instability — a story of repair, cancer and evolution with existential impact on the individual

The subject of inherited DNA repair deficiency in man is chosen as a typical example of how to investigate complex biological processes by modern molecular-genetic reductionistic approaches. The excision repair process is now on the verge of being’ elucidated’ in terms of genes and proteins, resulting in a final’ mechanistic scheme’. While excitement about this accomplishment appears justified, the limitations of this knowledge become apparent as well. Ways to tackle the problem of’ biological relevance’ are being sought, on the one hand, by extending and upgrading genetic technology to this level. This route entails the development of transgenic animals — its application will become widespread and its success in providing new insights far-reaching. Future expansion to the pre-embryo as a’ human system’ is not excluded. Working with higher organisms is expected to increase our awareness of the’ organismic dimension’. Particularly with respect to man, genetic technology is now confronting us with the necessity to develop new morals, fitting to the rapid current changes in individual consciousness and responsibility. For instance, genetics have revolutionized predictive medicine which turns out to drastically dramatize the significance and experience of health and sickness, in social as well as individual life. Molecular genetics can be looked upon as just one exponent of a shift in attention from the somatic to the psychological level. If handled humanely, genetic technology can act as a powerful catalyst in this exciting and inevitable development.