Detecting Polymorphisms in MMP Genes

The essential role of genes is in encoding structural proteins and enzymes which enable the cell or organism to maintain homeostasis in the face of the environmental challenges experienced (1 ). DNA containing such genetic information varies from one species to another. Even within a species, there are interindividual differences in DNA sequence, giving rise, for example, to variation in fitness and appearance. Naturally occurring sequence variants, many of which are neutral sequence changes, have been estimated to exist approximately every 200–300 bp throughout the human genome (2 ). However, there are some sequence variants which affect the control of gene expression, the biosynthesis and transport of the gene product, or the function of the gene product itself (2 ). Consequently, individuals within a population will have different abilities to maintain homeostasis, and the failure of some individuals to do so will lead to the development of disease.