Michigan State University Human Genetics Program

The Michigan State University (MSU) Human Genetics Program is a service and research organization affiliated with the Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. It is dedicated to providing diagnostic evaluation and prenatal diagnosis to individuals and families affected by genetic conditions, malformations, metabolic disease, malformation syndromes, or conditions resulting from exposure to human teratogens. A teratogen is any agent or factor that causes or increases the incidence of a congenital abnormality in a developing fetus. Established in 1975, the organization provides counseling and cytogenetic (chromosomal) and DNA diagnostic evaluations. The DNA diagnostic laboratory is prepared to identify both homozygous affected individuals as well as carriers for genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis. MSU’s Human Genetics provides genetics counseling, referrals to prenatal support groups, and teratogen counseling utilizing the REPROTOX database. Michigan State University Human Genetics offers interested individuals a variety of guides, brochures, and pamphlets discussing genetics clinics and diagnostic counseling services; prenatal diagnosis and reproductive genetics; and testing and risk assessment specifically for cystic fibrosis.