Alliance to Determine Genetic Basis of 21 Diseases

A collaboration to rapidly develop a map of around 40,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) chosen to represent specific patterns of genetic sharing in the Quebec Founder Population has been formed by Perlegen Sciences, Inc. (Mountain View, CA, USA) and Galileo Genomics, Inc. (Montreal, Canada).

The map, called a Quebec Linkage Disequilibrium Map (QLDM), will be used to conduct genome wide scans on DNA samples from individuals collected by Galileo, using haplotype sharing, in 21 common diseases. Galileo has collected more than 18,000 DNA samples from patients with precisely defined phenotypes and their relatives in over 20 common diseases through its collaboration with 700 clinical investigators in Quebec (Canada). The company applies proprietary algorithms to genotyping data from trios of a patient and two close relatives to detect disease genes with a sensitivity very substantially higher than conventional approaches. Perlegen is a leader in high-density SNP genotyping technology and has identified SNPs that, because they were derived from haploid chromosomes, accurately characterize the extent of genetic sharing in most regions of the human genome for general populations.

The genotyping will be performed using Perlegen's technology at an anticipated rate of six to 12 million individual genotypes per day. The objective is the discovery of GeneMaps, groups of common interacting genes that are directly and unequivocally involved in disease-causing biochemical processes. These targets are expected to accelerate the progression to personalized medicine through the combined use of a gene-based drug and a genetic diagnostic to treat the root causes of common diseases and not just the symptoms. Also, the companies expect to collaborate on pharmacogenomic studies to identify genes associated with drug response.

The two companies will first collaborate on the evaluation of 200,00 SNPs, chosen from over 1.6 million SNPs validated by Perlegen, in DNA samples from 1,600 Quebecers to map genetic sharing in the Quebec Founder Population. Subsequent to genotyping using the QLDM, Galileo will apply its proprietary genetic analysis algorithms to detect disease genes and genes associated with drug response.

"We expect that this collaboration with Perlegen will lead to greatly improved health benefits for the citizens of Quebec and the world through safer and more effective drugs and genetic diagnostics that identify the right patient for the right drug,” said Dr. John Hooper, president and CEO of Galileo.




Related Links:
Perlegen Sciences
Galileo Genomics