Ten years ago, I participated in a DNA study at UCSF Mission Bay's Laboratories of Neurogenetics. Overlooking the San Francisco Bay, the lab focuses on human genetics and developmental neuroscience.
By studying families with neurological phenotypes (which means 'heritable genetic identity'), UCSF researchers are identifying genes that cause various disorders of the nervous system, such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. In 2006, the labs had started to research circadian sleep disorders and, naturally, I was eager to learn the details.
After I was escorted from the building's entrance, I toured the new labs and chatted with some researchers at work. Later, in a boardroom with a spectacular view, I met with two leaders in the neurogenetics field, lab director and geneticist Dr. Louis Ptacek and sleep/wake specialist Dr. Chris Jones.
In hindsight, Ptacek and Jones were probably keen on persuading me to participate in their study (after learning my family history). I recall feeling a bit schmoozed: "your contribution could have an impact on how circadian sleep disorders are treated in the future." But I didn't need to be lobbied. I was totally onboard to help prove what I've long suspected: my family's extreme night owl sleep pattern is not a "preference." It is not psychological but physiological - hardwired into my genes - and completely out of my control. After signing the consent form, I donated a blood sample for DNA extraction.
It was a fascinating day I'll never forget. Keep in mind this was 2006, long before 23andme and the BRCA1 gene were household names. Next up, waiting for the results.
