Maimon Cohen, PhD
In the Spotlight

Dr. Maimon Cohen is Director of the Harvey Institute for Human Genetics and the Cytogenetics Laboratory of the Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC). He is a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore.

You have over 30 years of experience in the field of human genetics. What are your impressions of the past 30 years?

The past 30 years have been extremely exciting, especially with the advent of the human genome project. In my own field, clinical cytogenetics, we have progressed from a very rudimentary understanding of the chromosome to compiling a vast fund of knowledge elucidating complex molecular cytogenetic relationships. We have gone well beyond the descriptive basics by developing tools and technology that allow us to analyze how genes interact and are now beginning to understand their physiologic functions.

Where do you think we are going in the next 30 years?

We now better understand "genes" and their regulation. More importantly, we also have a much better grasp of the metabolic processes that are gene controlled. In other words, whereas we previously dealt with only single genetic missteps associated with a clinical problem, we are currently capable of envisioning broader molecular interactions and the genomic metabolic pathways that may be causally involved. We are gaining a better understanding of what exactly goes awry when there is a mutation. This will be especially valuable and applicable in drug design for cancer treatment. Armed with this molecular knowledge, we can be more focused and targeted rather than applying more systemic shotgun approaches.

How is the Harvey Institute preparing to meet the challenges and needs of human genetics?

The Harvey Institute focuses on providing consultative genetic services and resources for the professional and lay communities served by GBMC. Because genetics is so new to medicine, it demands specialized education and training. Its application to health care in a community hospital setting is not yet totally accepted or established. Applying the Harvey Institute's expertise and resources in a community setting is a natural evolution in our current health care environment. Because patients more commonly seek help at community hospitals, comprehensive genetic services must be available.

What role would you like to see MACGN play in the area of human genetics?

We need to promote the registry among practitioners so that they recognize its breadth and value more readily. This will encourage referral of patients who would benefit from the information and resources that are available.