Terms and Acronyms related to Genetics for Genetic Consumers

Compiled by Wendy Ricker for the Consumer Concerns Committee
of the New England Regional Genetics Group

 

AAP   

American Academy of Pediatrics, a professional organization. It has developed standards of care for some genetic conditions.

ABCG  

American Board of Genetic Counseling. It provides accreditation for training programs in genetic counseling and certifies master's level genetic counselors.

ABMG   

American Board of Medical Genetics, a specialty board of the American Board of Medical Specialists. It accredits training programs in medical genetics and certifies medical geneticists (doctoral level practitioners).

ACMG   

American College of Medical Genetics, a professional organization. It sets standards of practices for medical geneticists as well as standards and guidelines for laboratory genetics.

ACOG   

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a professional organization. It develops standards of care during pregnancy, which include recommendations about prenatal screening for possible genetic conditions.

ADA   

Americans with Disabilities Act, a federal civil rights law. It protects people with disabilities and genetic predispositions from discrimination in a number of areas.

AFP   

Alpha-FetoProtein. This is "a substance made by a developing fetus which can be measured in a pregnant woman's blood or amniotic fluid . . . " (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 137). Unusually high or low values for the length of the pregnancy may suggest the baby has a condition such as spina bifida or Down syndrome or certain other conditions.

AG   

Attorney General. This is the head lawyer for county, state, or federal governments.

AGSG

Alliance of Genetic Support Groups, "a national coalition of voluntary genetic organizations, consumers, and professionals, funded in part by the Genetic Services Branch of the [federal] Maternal and Child Health Bureau; [it links] "individuals and families to appropriate genetic support groups and services" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 124). It is the national consumer voice for the regional genetic networks (see CORN). It also provides a consumer voice in federal policy making and in other areas.

Allele

Alleles are "the alternative forms of genes which occur at the same site on a chromosome and which determine alternative forms of a trait" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 136).

Amino acids

A set of 20 different molecules of a particular type which make up all the proteins in the human body or other living things (NCI, 1995).

Amniocentesis  

"The removal of a sample of amniotic fluid, the fluid surrounding the growing baby (fetus)" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 137).

ART

Assisted Reproductive Technology. These are highly sophisticated techniques to help couples who have longstanding difficulties in conceiving a baby. It includes in-vitro fertilization (see IVF).

ASHG

American Society of Human Genetics, a professional organization. Members include research scientists as well as clinicians in the field of genetics.

Autosome   

"Chromosomes other than the sex (X or Y) chromosomes. Humans have twenty-two pairs of autosomes, numbered 1 through 22" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 137).

BRCA1   

"A gene that normally helps to restrain cell growth" (NCI, 1995, p.25).

BRCA1   

breast cancer susceptibility gene "a mutated version of BRCA1, which predisposes a person toward developing breast cancer" (NCI, 1995, p.25).

CAP

College of American Pathologists, a professional organization. (Many laboratories are headed by pathologists.) This group sets standards for laboratories, although the standards are not specific to genetic testing. This organization does "proficiency testing" of laboratories to be sure they can get reliable results and interpret their results accurately. This is one part of the review of laboratories to be sure they meet "CLIA standards" (see CLIA '88) for federal licensing.

CAPP

Collaboration Among Parents and Health Professionals, a project based at the Federation for Children with Special Needs in Boston, Mass.

Carrier  

"A person who has a recessive mutated gene, together with its normal allele. Carriers do not usually develop [the condition] but can pass the mutated gene on to their children" (NCI, 1995, p. 25).

Carrier testing   

The goal of these tests is identifying individuals, or couples, who carry a particular recessive gene allele that would result in a particular genetic condition if a child were to inherit copies of this allele from both parents. "Carrier testing is designed for healthy people who have no symptoms of disease, but who are known to be at high risk [of being a carrier for the disorder] . . . " (NCI, 1995, p. 25).

CBA

Cost-Benefit Analysis. This is an approach to measuring costs versus benefits in monetary terms in setting public policies regarding health issues.

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is an agency of the federal government that has shown increasing interest in the public health implications of genetics.

CEA

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. This is a way to compare different approaches which might yield a similar health benefit. Measures may include years of life, "quality-adjusted life years," the number of people with a condition, or "cost per year of life saved."

Chromosome   

"The cellular structure that stores and transmits genetic information. Chromosomes are composed of genes linked together in specific arrangements. The normal number of chromosomes in humans is forty-six" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 138).

CLIA '88   

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988. This legislation is the basis for the regulations which must be met for a laboratory to receive a federal license. However, the regulations are not specific to genetic testing. (See CAP.)

Clone   

"A group of identical genes, cells, or organisms derived from a single ancestor" (NCI, 1995, p. 26).

CORN   

Council of Regional Networks for Genetic Services. This is a "national umbrella organization, funded by the Genetic Services Branch of the [federal] Maternal and Child Health Bureau; [it represents] the ten regional genetic networks. Composed of providers and consumers of genetic services, CORN coordinates and implements national activities in data collection, quality assurance, public and professional education, new technologies, ethical considerations, and funding for services" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 124).

CPT  

Physicians Current Procedural Terminology. The American Medical Association provides a set of five digit codes for medical procedures to be used for insurance purposes. The codes reflect what system of the body was involved and what service was provided. These codes faciliate processing of insurance claims. There are also associated diagnosis codes.

CRG   

Council for Responsible Genetics. This is an advocacy group which brings together scientists, educators, journalists, students, and policy makers on issues related to the uses and potential misuses of genetics.

Crossing over  

"A phenomenon, also known as recombination, that sometimes occurs during the formation of sperm and egg cells (meiosis); a pair of chromosomes (one from the mother and the other from the father) break and trade segments with one another" (NCI, 1995, p. 26).

CVS  

Chorionic Villus Sampling. This is a diagnostic procedure sometimes used early in pregnancy (at 9 to 11 weeks of growth) to detect certain genetic disorders.

Deletion   

"The loss of a portion of a chromosome as a result of chromosome breakage" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 138).

DNA  

Deoxyribonucleic Acid. It is "the substance of heredity; a large molecule that carries the genetic information necessary for the replication of cells and for the production of proteins, which are essential for growth, the building of new tissue, and the repair of injured or broken-down tissue" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 138).

DNA probe   

"A specific sequence of single-stranded DNA used to seek out a complementary sequence in other single strands" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 138).

DOE

Department of Energy. This part of the federal government is one source of funding for the Human Genome Project.

Dominant allele   

"A gene that is expressed, regardless of whether its counterpart allele on the other chromosome is dominant or recessive. Autosomal dominant disorders are produced by a single mutated dominant allele, even though its corresponding allele is normal. (See recessive allele)" (NCI, 1995, p. 26).

ELSI

Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications. This is a portion of the Human Genome Project that provides funding to examine the broader implications of the identification of genes. This has included the ELSI working group and several task force projects to address some of these concerns plus grants for a variety of independently proposed projects.

Enzyme   

"A protein that facilitates a specific chemical reaction" (NCI, 1995, p. 26).

FDA

Food and Drug Administration, a federal agency that oversees the safety of foods, drugs, and cosmetics (1938) and medical devices (1976, 1990).

FISH

Flourescent In-Situ Hybridization. This is a specialized laboratory approach used to study chromosomes.

Gene   

"A unit of inheritance, a working subunit of DNA. Each of the body's 50,000 to 100,000 genes contains the code for a specific product, typically, a protein such as an enzyme" (NCI, 1995, p. 27).

Gene mapping   

This process is part of the Human Genome Project. Researchers are attempting to create a schematic map which would show "the order [and location] in which genes, genetic markers, and other landmarks are found along the chromosomes." (NCI, 1995, p. 10 -- see for more detail.)

GENES   

Genetic Network of New York State, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, one of the ten regional genetics networks.

Gene testing   

"Examining a sample of blood or other body fluid or tissue for biochemical, chromosomal, or genetic markers that indicate the presence or absence of genetic [mutations or genetic disorders]" (NCI, 1995, p. 27), including evidence of carrier status or a predisposition to developing a condition which has multifactorial components.

Gene therapy   

This refers to "a medical procedure that treats a disorder by replacing the faulty gene" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 138).

Genetic engineering  

Scientists are "altering genetic material to study genetic processes, and potentially, to correct genetic defects" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 138).

Genome   

"All the genetic material in the chromosomes of a particular organism" (NCI, 1995, p. 27), such as the set of genes that make up the human organism (the human genome), or those that make up other creatures, such as a fruit fly (the fruit fly genome) or a mouse (the mouse genome).

Genotype   

This refers an individuals's specific set of alleles for any given set of genes, whether they are dominant or recessive. This might refer to one set of genes or the entire set of genes that a person has.

GLaRGG   

Great Lakes Regional Genetics Group -- Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin, one of the ten regional genetics networks.

GPGSN   

Great Plains Genetic Service Network -- Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebaska, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, one of the ten regional genetics networks.

HCFA   

Health Care Finance Administration. This is the part of the federal Department of Health and Human Services that deals with Medicare and Medicaid and state waivers for Medicaid.

Heterozygote   

This refers to "an individual, sometimes called a carrier, who has two different alleles [for a specific gene]" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 138).

HGP   

Human Genome Project. This is a federally funded, multi-year project to identify every gene in the set of human chromosomes and to identify their locations.

HHS   

Department of Health and Human Services. This is the branch of the federal government that includes the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the National Institutes of Health, as well as the agencies that fund Medicaid, Medicare, and many other services.

Homozygote  

This refers to an individual who has two identical alleles of a specific gene.

HPHC   

(originally HCHP) Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, (earlier Harvard Community Health Plan) the current name of a major health insurance provider created by merger of two providers, both managed care organizations

HuGEM   

Human Genome Education Model Project. This is a joint project of Georgetown University Child Development Center and the Alliance of Genetic Support Groups to develop a collaborative education model for consumers and health professionals.

IDEA   

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 101-476). This is the federal law which continued the original Education of All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142).

IEP   

ndividual Educational Plan. This is a school plan developed jointly by parents and the school for children with disabilities which affect their learning (starting at age 3). It details goals and services to be provided in compliance with federal and state laws.

IFSP  

Individual Family Service Plan. This is a plan developed jointly by parents and professionals for families with a child "at risk" for a disability (birth through age 2).

Imprinting   

"A biochemical phenomenon that determines, for certain genes, which one of the pair of alleles, the mother's or the father's, will be active in that individual" (NCI, 1995, p. 28).

IRB   

Institutional Review Board. This is a group that reviews plans for research for such issues as safety and ethics before an organization can implement the research.

IVF   

In-Vitro Fertilization. This is a procedure to unite an egg and a sperm outside the body, in a test tube in a laboratory setting.

IVF-ET   

In-Vitro Fertilization with Embryo Transfer. This is an assisted reproductive technology technique (see ART). After the egg and sperm are united in the laboratory, the fertilized egg (embryo) is placed in (transferred to) the uterus of a woman for development.

JCAOH   

Joint Committee on Acceditation of Hospitals. This organization sets national standards for hospitals, which also impacts standards for laboratories associated with hospitals.

Karotype   

A karotype is "a systemized array of chromosomes from a single cell, prepared by photography, that demonstrates the number and morphology of the chromosomes" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 139).

LEA   

Local Educational Agency. This is a term used in federal laws relating to education of students with disabilities. It usually means the local school district.

Linkage   

"The relationship between two genes, or between an identifiable trait and a genetic disorder. Genes that are located relatively close to each other on the same chromosome are said to be linked" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 139).

Linkage analysis   

"A gene-hunting technique that traces patterns of heredity in large, high-risk families, in an attempt to locate a disease-causing gene mutation by identifying traits that are co-inherited with it" (NCI, 1995, p. 28).

LRE   

Least Restrictive Environment. This is a term used in federal laws relating to education of students with disabilities. It refers to a placement decision about the choice of the most appropriate educational setting for a particular student -- the one closest to the regular education environment -- as long as appropriate supports or modifications are provided which enable this student with a disability to benefit from this educational setting.

MARHGN  

Mid-Atlantic Regional Human Genetics Network -- Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, one of the ten regional genetics networks.

Marker   

"A detectable genetic variant. Some closely linked markers can be used to deduce the presence or absence of disease-producing genes" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 139).

MCHB   

Maternal and Child Health Bureau, an agency under Title V, Health Resources and Services Adminstration, within the federal Department of Health & Human Services. This agency is the source of the funding grants for the regional genetics networks and other state and national programs related to genetics and maternal and child health.

MDS   

Minimum Data Set. This refers to data which must be collected by the regional genetics networks from full service genetics centers. This information is compiled as a national report on genetic services.

MOD   

March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation. This is a national organization which focuses its literature and funding on disorders present at birth and a number of genetic conditions.

Molecule   

"A group of atoms arranged to interact in a particular way; one molecule of any substance is the smallest physical unit of that particular substance" (NCI, 1995, p. 28).

MSAFP   

Maternal Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein. This refers to alpha-fetoprotein found in the pregnant woman's blood (i.e., maternal serum). (See AFP.)

MSRGSN   

Mountain States Regional Genetic Services Network -- Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, one of the ten regional genetics networks.

Multifactorial   

"Caused by many genetic and nongenetic factors" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 139).

Mutation   

"A change in the number, arrangement, or molecular sequence of a gene" (NCI, 1995, p.28)

NCHGR   

National Center for Human Genome Research. This part of the National Institutes of Health "oversees comprehensive research to develop a human genetic map, to examine the ethical, legal, and social issues arising from the research, and to develop the technology that must be transferred to appropriate users in the medical community and industry" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 129).

NEMA   

Northeast Myelodysplasia Association. This group brings together professionals and consumers involved in regional spina bifida clinics in New York and New England.

NERGG   

New England Regional Genetics Group -- Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, one of the ten regional genetics networks. It sponsors committees and projects in the New England area and is the parent group for the Consumer Concerns Committee. It publishes The Genetic Resource.

NIH   

National Institutes of Health. This is an agency within the federal Department of Health and Human Services. It contains the National Center for Human Genome Research (see NCHGR). This agency also funds many other research projects and had sponsored fellowships for doctoral and post-doctoral level trainees in genetics.

NSGC   

National Society of Genetic Counselors, a professional organization.

NORD   

National Organization for Rare Disorders. This is a "coalition of national voluntary health agencies representing individuals with rare disorders; [it] provides information . . . , referral, and advocacy for orphan drugs research" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 130).

NTD   

Neural Tube Defect. This refers to an incomplete closing of the neural tube (which develops into the spinal cord) during development of the embryo early in pregnancy. This can lead to such conditions as spina bifida or anencephaly (incomplete development of the brain).

OB   

Obstetrics/obstretrician. This specialty deals with pregnancy and delivery.

OB/GYN   

Obstetrics-Gynecology. This specialty deals with pregnancy, delivery, and the reproductive system in women.

ORD   

Office of Rare Disorders. This federal agency within the National Institutes of Health funds research on rare disorders, those affecting less than 200,000 people in the United States.

Orphan Drug Act of 1983   

The federal legislation provided tax incentives and time-limited exclusive marketing to pharmaceutical companies who developed drugs to treat rare disorders.

PacNoRGG   

Pacific Northwest Regional Genetics Group -- Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, one of the ten regional genetics networks.

PCR   

Polymerase Chain Reaction. This is a technique used in molecular biology to study sections of DNA. It increases the amount of DNA available to use in genetic testing or research.

Pedigree   

"A diagram showing a genetic family history and biological relationships among members of a family, often for several generations" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 139).

Penetrance  

"A term indicating the likelihood that a given gene will actually result in [a genetic disorder] or disease" (NCI, 1995, p. 29).

PGD   

Pre-implementation Genetic Diagnosis. This is the testing of a fertilized egg for genetic disorders after in vitro fertilization (see IVF), before placing the embryo in the uterus for development.

PHD/PHS   

Public Health Department/Public Health Service. These are federal and state agencies which provide funding for services linked to public health issues.

Phenotype  

"The physical characteristics into which genes are translated" (NCI, 1995, p. 27) as a result of the interaction of genes and the environment, both before and after birth.

PI   

Principal Investigator. This term refers to the lead individual in a project or research grant.

PL 94-142   

Public Law 94-142, Education of All Handicapped Children Act. This is the original federal law establishing the rights of children with disabilities to receive a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive setting. It applied to all schools receiving federal funding for students from ages 5 through 20.

PL101-476   

Public Law 101-476, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This was the federal law which reauthorized (legislatively continued) the rights of children with disabilities to a free, appropriate public education. Part B of the law applied to children from ages 3 through 20. Part H provided a broader range of services from birth through age 2.

Predictive gene tests   

"Tests to identify gene [mutations] that may make a person susceptible to certain diseases or disorders" (NCI, 1995, p. 29).

Prenatal diagnosis   

"Examining fetal cells taken from the amniotic fluid, the primitive placenta (chorion), or the umbilical cord for biochemical, chromosomal, or gene alterations" (NCI, 1995, p. 29).

PRIM & R   

Public Responsibility in Medicine & Research. This is a group that advocates for ethical human and animal research.

PSRGN   

Pacific Southwest Regional Genetics Network -- California, Hawaii, Nevada, one of the ten regional genetics networks.

PUBS   

Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling. This is a procedure to take a blood sample from the baby's umbilical cord prenatally.

QA   

Quality Assurance. This has been applied to controlling quality in laboratory testing to be sure test results are accurate, reliable, and meaningful and interpreted appropriately.

Recessive allele   

This is "a gene that is expressed only when its counterpart allele on the matching chromosome is also recessive (not dominant). Autosomal recessive disorders develop in persons who receive two copies of the mutant gene, one from each parent who is a carrier. (See Dominant allele.)" (NCI, 1995, p. 29).

Recombinant DNA   

"The hybrid DNA produced in the laboratory by joining pieces of DNA from different sources" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 139).

Regional genetics network   

one of ten regions of the United States included in the Council of Regional Networks for Genetic Services (see CORN).

• Genetic Network of New York State, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands (GENES)
• Great Lakes Regional Genetics Group (GLaRGG) -- Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
• Great Plains Genetic Service Network (GPGSN) -- Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebaska, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota
• Mid-Atlantic Regional Human Genetics Network (MARHGN) -- Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
• Mountain States Regional Genetic Services Network (MSRGSN) -- Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming
• New England Regional Genetics Group (NERGG) -- Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
• Pacific Northwest Regional Genetics Group (PacNoRGG) -- Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington
• Pacific Southwest Regional Genetics Network (PSRGN) -- California, Hawaii, Nevada
• Southeast Regional Genetics Group (SERGG) -- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
• Texas Genetics Network (TEXGENE) -- Texas

RFP   

Research Funding Proposal. Agencies that grant monies announce what types of applications would be preferred and outline the steps to be taken by applicants.

RNA   

Ribonucleic Acid. This is "a chemical similar to DNA. The several classes of RNA molecules play important roles in protein synthesis and other cell activities" (NCI, 1995, p. 30).

Section 504   

Federal civil rights law, a specific section of Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This protects people with disabilities from discrimination when certain programs receive federal funding.

SERGG   

Southeast Regional Genetics Group -- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, one of the ten regional genetics networks.

Sex chromosomes   

"The chromosomes (X and Y) involved in sex determination. Normal females have two X chromosomes in each cell, and normal males have one X and one Y" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 139).

SPRANS   

Special Projects of Regional and National Significance. These are projects related to genetics which are funded by the federal office of Maternal and Child Health. They include funding for the regional genetics networks and their coalition (CORN), as well as projects with time limitations.

Teratogen   

A terotogen can be a drug, chemical, physical agent or environmental condition that results in permanent changes in a developing baby due to exposure during the pregnancy. Examples would include thalidomide and German measles.

TEXGENE   

Texas Genetics Network, one of the ten regional genetics networks.

Translocation   

"The transfer of all or one part of a chromosome to another location on the same chromosome or to a different chromosome after chromosome breakage" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 139).

Trisomy   

Trisomy occurs when "there are three members of a given chromosome instead of the normal pair" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 140).

UAP   

University Affiliated Programs. These programs provide multi-disciplinary services for families with a child with a developmental disability. The programs are affiliated with certain universities.

X-linked inheritance   

This "refers to any gene found on the X chromosome or traits determined by such genes; [it also refers] to the specific mode of inheritance of such genes" (Weiss & Mackta, 1996, p. 140).

References

National Cancer Institute. 1995. Understanding Gene Testing. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 96-3905.

Weiss, Joan O., & Mackta, Jayne S. 1996. Starting and Sustaining Genetic Support Groups. Johns Hopkins University Press: Baltimore.

corrections 10/97

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