When genes don’t work the way they should, it can cause different diseases. This affects how our cells function and our overall health. Let’s look at some of the main problems that can arise:

1. Cancer:

   • About 40% of cancers are caused by changes in genes that affect how they work.
   • For instance, the TP53 gene is mutated in around 50% of tumors, which causes cells to divide uncontrollably.

2. Metabolic Disorders:

   • In Type 2 diabetes, the way insulin and glucose transporters work is often messed up.
   • This can lead to insulin resistance in almost 90% of those affected.

3. Neurodegenerative Diseases:

   • In Alzheimer’s disease, changes in a protein called amyloid precursor protein (APP) lead to the buildup of plaques.
   • More than 5 million people in the U.S. are affected by this.

4. Autoimmune Diseases:

   • When gene regulation goes wrong, it can cause immune-related genes to behave incorrectly.
   • This is seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which impacts about 1.3 million adults in the U.S.

5. Cardiovascular Diseases:

   • Changes in gene expression can lead to heart muscle enlargement, which may result in heart failure.
   • Currently, around 6.2 million Americans are living with this issue.

Understanding these problems shows why it is so important for genes to function properly to keep us healthy.