NewLab Life Sciences Inc. is conducting clinical genomics research and specializes in genetic research of complex diseases. The research and development program includes novel gene discovery and validation studies by case control or linkage analysis using genotype and clinical data. In addition, NewLab Life Sciences Inc. investigates gene variations that play a role in drug response.
These studies are intended to build a better understanding of the relationship between genes involved in health and disease that may contribute to an earlier diagnosis of disease, a more accurate prediction of the prognosis of disease and the identification of more effective drugs for the treatment of disease.
To date NewLab has collected clinical data and have isolated DNA from a large number of patients with metabolic disease (obesity and type II diabetes) and auto-immune disease (psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and osteoarthritis).
Psoriasis
The study of the genetics of psoriasis in Newfoundland and Labrador began in the early 1990’s. The objective of this study is to search the human genome for genes which may predispose individuals to psoriasis. The study involves the examination of the genomic and clinical data to identify markers that are associated with this disease including susceptibility and severity markers.
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory disease of the skin that affects 1-2% of the population of North American, Europe, and Japan. In Newfoundland and Labrador in incidences of psoriasis is thought to be higher with prevalence rates of possibly between 5 and 10%. Published data suggests that 30% of patients have a positive family history. Early work that investigated families from Newfoundland and Labrador suggested that 80-90% of patients have a first or second degree relative with psoriasis.
Analysis of 2000 DNA samples collected during the initial phase of the study identified that two susceptibility genes are present in the Newfoundland and Labrador population. These include TNF alpha and HLACw6. In this phase of the project NewLab has compiled clinical data and is in the process of initiating further studies to discover additional susceptibilities genes that are linked to psoriasis. The collection of additional DNA samples and patient health information is currently ongoing. This collection will be used not only to identify psoriasis susceptibility genes but also genes for psoriasis co -morbidities.
Osteoarthritis
NewLab's osteoarthritis research program is lead by our lead by our Scientific Team.
Genetic factors in OA were first recognized in the 1940's. Twin and familial aggregation studies reveal that primary OA has major genetic component and heritability is estimated between 35 to 65% depending on sex and joint distribution.
NewLab has investigated and continues to investigate the association of genetic markers, particularly SNPs, in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. The research program has primarily been case control analysis of candidate genes. With NewLab's recent equipment acquisition, GWAS analysis will be considered.
Cardiovascular
In this project, NewLab, with Dr. Xie at Memorial University , and researchers at Zhengzhou University , plan to perform a genome-wide scan for susceptibility genes for CVD , and investigate the effect variance of genetic susceptibilities among different population groups. The team will carry out a duplication study for a number of selected CVD candidate genes in 10,000 individuals (cases + controls) from Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), Quebec , and Chinese populations to determine their disease association, effect variance and gene frequency.
Unique features of this study include the combination of a genome-wide association and a genome-wide expression profiling study to maximize potential identification of susceptibility genes; involvement of a large sample size (total 10,000 cases and controls) from multiple ethnic populations; using the genetically homogeneous NL population as main subject in a whole genome scan to increase statistical power; and identify gene-gene interaction and how it relates to susceptibility to CVD .
Obesity
NewLab is pursuing the genetic association approach of elucidating candidate genes found in obesity within the Newfoundland founder population and has already assessed the role of several genes, which are key regulators of appetite control and body weight.
To date NewLab has successfully recruited over 800 affected volunteers including 10 multiplex families, as well as a number of volunteers whose data is being used for comparison. All have been well phenotyped for positional candidate gene studies.
An understanding of the population architecture is directly relevant to the study of genetic & environmental determinants of obesity in Newfoundland . Quantifying the length of the linkage disequilibrium and the presence of a founder effect can greatly enhance the chance for a discovery in our population. NewLab hypothesized that the Newfoundland population offers advantages for elucidating the genetic determinants of complex disorders, compared with admixed populations, and even compared with other isolates. During the study the current genetic architecture of the province, with respect to geographic isolation, homogeneity, founder effect, genetic drift, and extended linkage disequilibrium was quantified. Based on these factors, NewLab continues to believe that the population of Newfoundland offers many advantages for genetic mapping of obesity.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn's Disease CD and Ulcerative Colitis UC) are multifactorial autoimmune/metabolic diseases characterized by abdominal pain and frequent loose bowel movements. The prevalence of CD is 28 – 108 / 100,000 and UC 39 – 117 / 100,000. IBD is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Direct and indirect costs associated with IBD account for a substantial portion of the budget allocated to health services.
Drawing on the strength of our genetically-enriched population, coupled with a core expertise in gene identification NewLab continues to research IBD associated genetic markers. This study involves 4 main objectives including: the recruitment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to perform positional candidate gene studies, assess genotype / phenotype correlations, characterize the clinical utility of genetic markers and assess the utilization of health services among IBD patients.
The IBD cohort collected by NewLab has many individuals and extended family members who have a confirmed diagnosis of IBD. To date DNA analysis has been limited to case control studies of candidate genes but will now involve linkage analysis of large extended families using genome wide data collections.
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