What does SHM mean in PHYSIOLOGY
Somatic Hypermutation (SHM) is a biological process that occurs in immune cells to help them adjust and adapt to various pathogens and foreign agents, as well as to protect us against them. SHM is thought to be one of the most important factors for offering protection from diseases. In its broadest sense, SHM refers to any type of mutation within the body’s somatic cells – meaning those located outside the reproductive system - which can range from subtle changes in allele frequencies on a gene level, up through large-scale genomic rearrangements. To put it simply, SHM evolution occurs when somatic cells mutate in order to better defend against disease-causing organisms.
SHM meaning in Physiology in Medical
SHM mostly used in an acronym Physiology in Category Medical that means somatic hypermutation
Shorthand: SHM,
Full Form: somatic hypermutation
For more information of "somatic hypermutation", see the section below.
» Medical » Physiology
Definition
Somatic Hypermutation (SHM) is an evolutionary process that takes place in our bodies when immune cells undergo rapid adaptations specifically at their antigen receptor loci during infection or immunization. This process involves increasing the rate of mutation by up to several orders of magnitude from normal background levels until a beneficial mutation is found which increases the cell’s ability to recognize and respond to foreign organisms or antigens encountered by our bodies. This helps our autoimmune system fight off infectious organisms effectively and provides us with a greater immune defense than otherwise possible.
Medical Uses
SHM has been utilized in medical applications such as treatment for cancer, autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders and more. Through this process, researchers have been able to design new therapies that can target specific areas of genetic mutation involved in these diseases while bypassing healthy parts of the genome untouched by harmful mutations. For example, mutations associated with cancer could be corrected using SHM so that targeted treatments are more effective and less toxic for patients undergoing therapy. Furthermore, ongoing research into SHM has led scientists to develop personalized vaccines tailored towards an individual’s specific needs or genetic make-up instead of relying solely on generic treatments currently used in medical practice today.
Essential Questions and Answers on somatic hypermutation in "MEDICAL»PHYSIOLOGY"
What is somatic hypermutation (SHM)?
Somatic hypermutation (SHM) is a type of highly localized genetic alteration that occurs in a particular part of the immune system. It helps lymphocytes to quickly adapt and recognize pathogens, making them better equipped to fight infection. SHM is mainly seen in B cells during their activation process by antigen-presenting cells or helper T cells.
How does somatic hypermutation work?
Somatic hypermutation works by randomly introducing mutations within the variable region of the immunoglobulin gene during B cell maturation. This helps the B cell recognize and bind to its targets more effectively, leading to more effective antibody production.
Is somatic hypermutation beneficial?
Yes, somatic hypermutation is beneficial as it increases the diversity of antibodies produced by expanding the range of antigens that a given B cell can detect and respond to. This ultimately allows for a more sophisticated adaptive immune response, which can lead to improved protection from infection and disease.
Does somatic hypermutaton happen in other organisms besides humans?
Yes, some form of somatic hypermutation has been seen in other mammals such as mice and rats as well as some species of birds and fishes. However, it's only been observed in humans at this time that the activity level is high enough to be clinically meaningful.
Is SHM permanent?
In most cases, SHM-induced mutations are not permanent because they are not passed on from generation to generation. However, there are examples where these changes have become fixed in the genome over time due to natural selection pressures or simply by chance.
Is SHM dangerous?
Generally no, SHM has been shown to be an important part of maintaining a healthy immune system without harmful side effects for most people. However, if there is an excessive amount or an abnormally high rate of mutation then this could indicate an underlying problem with the immune system that may need further investigation.
Can SHM result in cancer?
While mutations resulting from somatic hypermutation do occur on occasion and may act as drivers for cancer development, it is generally thought that this happens very rarely if at all due to multiple levels of regulation involved within this process.
Final Words:
In conclusion, Somatic Hypermutation is a biological process that plays an important role in providing protection from disease and helping our bodies mount more effective responses against various infectious agents. In addition, it has been utilized clinically for treating various ailments including cancer and autoimmune diseases by providing targeted therapies based on individual genetic profiles rather than generalized strategies used previously before its discovery. As further research continues into this field, it may open up even more opportunities for personalized medicine and improved patient outcome globally.
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