Researchers have unprecedented chance to search for Alzheimer's
susceptibility genes and develop advanced clinical testing
Phoenix, Arizona-Researchers at the Translational Genomics
Research Institute (TGen) and Kronos Science Laboratories, an
affiliate of Phoenix-based Kronos Optimal Health Company, have
initiated a study with unprecedented power to identify genes that
are involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease, the most
common form of disabling memory and thinking problems in older
persons.
Using cutting edge technology, researchers at TGen will survey
570,000 letters of the genetic alphabet (commonly known as "SNPs")
in the DNA of 1,000 deceased persons confirmed to have Alzheimer's
disease at autopsy and 1,000 deceased persons confirmed to be free
of Alzheimer's disease at autopsy.
Because of the number of SNPs surveyed-more than any surveyed ever
before-researchers have an extraordinary opportunity to search for
Alzheimer's susceptibility genes throughout the human genome.
"The technology to sift through the human blueprint at ultra-high
resolution to get at the root of diseases such as Alzheimer's has
finally come of age," explains Dietrich A. Stephan, the study's
principal investigator and head of TGen's Neurogenomics Division.
"TGen is one of only a few places in the world that has this type
of technology. The collaboration between Kronos and TGen represents
a partnership which promises to greatly improve our understanding
of the genetic causes of Alzheimer's disease so we may diagnose it
early and develop knowledge-based therapies."
Kronos Science Laboratories will have an exclusive worldwide
license to all intellectual property that results from the
research. Based upon the results of this study, Kronos will develop
a test that aids in clinical diagnosis and can determine a person's
genetic predisposition for developing Alzheimer's disease.
"An estimated 4.5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's
disease today, and that number is projected to more than triple by
2050," said Dr. Christopher Heward, President of Kronos Science
Laboratories. "At Kronos, we are passionate about our healthy
living and aging philosophy, and we're pleased to demonstrate this
commitment by participating in this unparalleled study that has the
potential to make a significant impact in the lives of affected
individuals and families."
To date, researchers have identified several rare genes that cause
a form of Alzheimer's disease resulting in memory and thinking
problems before the age of 60. In addition, scientists have
identified a common gene that accounts for about 30 percent of
those who develop the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease after the age
of 60. The search is now on to discover other genes that contribute
to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers will obtain DNA samples from brain banks in the USA
and Europe.
"We could not be more excited about the possibility of discovering
the remaining genes involved in the development of Alzheimer's
disease," says the study's other principal investigator, Dr. Eric
Reiman, Clinical Director of the Neurogenomics Division at TGen,
Director of the Arizona Alzheimer's Disease Consortium, Professor
of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona, and Scientific Director
of the Positron Emission Tomography Center at Banner Good Samaritan
Medical Center. "We hope that this information will improve our
understanding of the disorder, provide targets against which to aim
new treatments, and permit health care providers to identify those
who might benefit from disease-slowing and prevention therapies at
the earliest possible time."
The study is expected to cost approximately $6 million and will be
jointly funded by TGen and Kronos. Researchers expect the study to
be completed within 18 months.
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About TGen
The mission of the Translational Genomics Research Institute
(TGen) is to make and translate genomic discoveries into advances
in human health. Translational genomics research is a relatively
new field employing innovative advances arising from the Human
Genome Project and applying them to the development of diagnostics,
prognostics and therapies for cancer, neurological disorders,
diabetes and other complex diseases. TGen is focused on
personalized medicine and plans to accomplish its goals through
robust and disease-focused research programs and its
state-of-the-art bioinformatics and computational biology
facilities.
About Kronos
Kronos Optimal Health Company is a unique, integrated health care
delivery system comprised of a number of components. These include
Kronos Optimal Health Centre (medical clinic), Kronos Science
Laboratories (reference laboratory) and Kronos Compounding
Pharmacy, all designed to optimize health and longevity. Kronos
offers innovative health solutions that combine integrated medical,
exercise and nutrition therapies. Programs include: Kronos Optimal
Health at Work, Kronos Weight Management, Kronos Executive Health
Program and the Kronos Optimal Health Program. Opened to the
medical and scientific communities in 1999, the Phoenix-based
Kronos Science Laboratories is a specialty reference/research
laboratory that explores and develops new and improved assays for
age-related disease prevention and early diagnosis. Kronos Science
Laboratories is licensed in all 50 states and certified by the New
York State Department of Health. For more information, visit
www.kronoscompany.com.
About The Arizona Alzheimer's Disease Consortium
The Arizona Alzheimer's Disease Consortium includes the National
Institute on Aging's Arizona Alzheimer's Disease Center (ADC) and
the state-supported Arizona Alzheimer's Research Center. Considered
one of the leading models of statewide collaboration in biomedical
research, the Consortium includes about 100 researchers from 8
biomedical research institutions in Arizona. The Arizona ADC's
brain bank is located at the Sun Health Research Institute in Sun
City, Arizona.
Media Contacts:
Galen Perry, TGen, (602) 343-8423
Susan Allen, Kronos Optimal Health Company, (602) 778-1908