Why the Acadians Are Important to Genetics
Judy LaBorde
Genetics is the study of inheritance. From our genes, we inherit eye color and height, as well as diseases that "run in the family." It is the only branch of medicine that by nature is multi-generational.
In
order for scientists to find the
genes that cause diseases, it is
necessary to study family members
and compare those who have the disease
with those who do not. Special populations
like the Acadians play a vital role
in advancing this research. Similar
populations are the Amish, Mennonites,
Ashkenazi Jews and Mormons. Because
of America's history as an immigrant
nation, there are very few such
populations in our contemporary
nation of 275 million people.
The Acadians who came to Louisiana can trace their heritage to a small founding population of about 300. In order to survive, they tended to marry those who shared their language, religion, and devotion to family. This cohesiveness combined with a strong oral and written tradition means that ancestors going back several hundred years can be identified.
The benefit for genetics is that the Acadians are a priceless resource for studying not only the diseases that have a higher frequency among them but also the myriad of diseases that affect the American population in general. What is learned about diabetes among the Acadians will help diabetics in general. Knowledge about the genetics of heart disease in Acadians will have strong implications for heart disease in America. Genetic studies of the Acadians become a model for the larger society.
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