"The field of genetics exists to help families who are affected by gene differences. At Fullerton Genetics Center our role is to help identify genetic conditions, educate families about these conditions, and help families connect with resources. Sometimes the identification of a genetic condition can lead to treatments, but even when there are no treatments available the benefits of understanding the condition and connecting with others are immeasurable."
Linda Costello
Director, Fullerton Genetics Center
What is genetics?
Genetics is the scientific study about the ways characteristics of living things are passed from one generation to the next. These characteristics range from eye color to the shape of our noses to potential inheritance of genetic disorders or conditions. The basic units of heredity are genes, which are passed along by your parents at the cellular level. There are some 30,000 genes in each human cell, and they vary by individual.
Diseases caused by abnormal gene forms are called genetic disorders; these include different gene forms called alterations, or gene alterations called mutations. Many diseases, including several cancers, have a genetic component.
At Fullerton Genetics Center, we focus on how we inherit certain characteristics from our parents, and whether or not people are more prone to certain diseases due to their genetic code. We provide genetics services for adults, children and their families. Services include investigating and diagnosing disorders, compassionate counseling and care, education, and support, and laboratory research to find more answers to genetic questions.
We offer these services throughout Western North Carolina, and in some cases nationwide.
Fullerton Genetics Center also offers several outreach programs, including support for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, preconception health education and education for healthcare providers.
Some conditions we frequently work with at the Center include developmental delays, birth defects, autism, hereditary cancer and neurological conditions, mental retardation, and exposure to substances such as alcohol that can impact a baby in the womb. We also diagnose and in some cases treat certain enzyme deficiency diseases called lysosomal storage diseases.
Contact and More Information:
For more information, call us toll free at 888-810-2800 or 828-213-0022, or use our online contact form.
