Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms [SNPs]

A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism or SNP [pronounced “snip”] occurs when one of the 4 nucleotide bases or ‘letters’ A [Adenine], C [Cytosine], T [Thymine] and G [Guanine] is replaced by another nucleotide in the DNA sequence. Such a small change may produce a significant change to the function of a protein or a receptor or an enzyme and this can predispose people to disease and even influence that individual’s response to drugs or to foods or to nutraceuticals [supplements]. The study of nutrigenomics is one where mutations and in particular SNP’s are studied to see if dietary, lifestyle and nutraceutical intervention can modify any negative impact such a genetic change can produce. Pharmacogenomics is also a developing discipline where SNPs in particular are being studied for their effects and ultimately clinical consequences of drug metabolism.