Karissa Kaminski

PM Capstone
16 November 2015
Need To Know: Gene Investigation
An infestation of vampires has taken over our home in Australia. As the leader of
medical research and technology, my job is to figure out what has caused the outbreak.
I have concluded that a gene mutation in our local bat population happens to be the
culprit. In an investigation to compare bat and human genomes, some bats were found
to have P53 and MDM2 genes which have a unique mutation able to repair damage to
DNA and increase the animals lifespan (Gettler, Leon). Once a victim is bitten, they
receive these mutated cells and become immortal.
To treat infected victims and prevent future infestations, we must first understand
what a gene mutation is. A gene mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA
sequence that makes up a gene, such that the sequence differs from what is found in
most people. Genes may be hereditary or can be acquired overtime and are involved in
the control of cell growth and division.The cell cycle is the cells way of replicating itself
(What Is a Gene Mutation and How Do Mutations Occur?). In our vampire
investigation, the mutated genes were discovered to be acquired by lack of food in the
wild and overpopulation. These genes created a bat that is thirsty for human blood. The
P53 and MDM2 genes are quickly replicating in the infected bats and are able to be
transferred to humans creating the same effect in them.
The treatment will begin by using genetic testing. Genetic testing is a type of
medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins (What Is a

Gene Mutation and How Do Mutations Occur?). I have decided to use Biochemical
genetic tests on the population. Biochemical genetic tests study the amount or activity
level of proteins; abnormalities in either can indicate changes to the DNA that result in a
genetic disorder(What Is a Gene Mutation and How Do Mutations Occur?) ;This could
allow us to determine which people are infected.
Another approach to treating and preventing the vampire outbreak is using gene
therapy. Gene therapy is an experimental technique that uses genes to treat or prevent
disease (What Is a Gene Mutation and How Do Mutations Occur?). Gene therapy
works by inserting a gene into an infected cell instead of using drugs or surgery. Some
ways gene therapy work is by replacing a mutated gene with a healthy one or
introducing a new gene into the body to help fight the disease. With further research, we
can design a gene that will reduce the number of P53 and MDM2 genes in infected
bodies.
In conclusion, to solve the vampire outbreak, we can use a series of treatments
including victims genes.Using genetic testing we can distinguish between infected
victims from the population. We can also use gene therapy to create genes that will
regulate the amount of mutated genes in the body.
"What Is a Gene Mutation and How Do Mutations Occur?" Genetics Home Reference.
N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2015.
Gettler, Leon. "Understanding Bat Evolution Could Lead To New Treatments For Viruses
and Aging." Gizmag. N.p., 24 Jan. 2013. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.