NAAR Launches Largest Autism Genetics
July 19 2004 - 4:28PM
PR Newswire (US)
NAAR Launches Largest Autism Genetics The NAAR Autism Genome
Project Is Using DNA Array Technology to Scan the Human Genome
& Includes 1,500 Families in the Search for the Genes
Associated With the Disorder PRINCETON, N.J., July 19
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The National Alliance for Autism Research
has launched the NAAR Autism Genome Project, the largest study ever
conducted to find the genes associated with inherited risk for
autism. Over the next six months, about 170 of the world's leading
genetics researchers will pool their resources and use a promising
new technology, the DNA microarray, to scan the human genome in the
search for the genetic causes of this devastating disorder, which
continue to elude the medical field as prevalence rises. The NAAR
Autism Genome Project is a public/private research partnership
involving approximately 50 academic and research institutions that
have pooled their DNA samples in a collaborative effort. It is
designed to enable doctors to biologically diagnose autism and
enable researchers to develop universal medical treatments and a
cure. The NAAR Autism Genome Project expects initial results from
the DNA array scan by early 2005. The first phase of the NAAR
Autism Genome Project, a research partnership between NAAR and the
National Institutes of Health (NIH), consists of two scans of the
human genome searching for autism susceptibility genes. The scans
will analyze approximately 6,000 samples of DNA from 1,500
multiplex families (two children with autism spectrum disorders and
their parents) from the U.S., Canada and Europe. The large sample
size makes the NAAR Autism Genome Project's scan approximately
three times larger than the largest previous autism genome studies.
The DNA micro array scan will cost $2 million and is being funded
by NAAR. "We are very excited about combining scientific expertise
with this cutting-edge technology to help uncover the genetic
underpinnings of autism and determine what causes the disorder,"
said Prisca Chen Marvin, chair of the NAAR Board of Trustees and
the parent of a child with autism. "Understanding the cause is
paramount to our ability to biologically diagnose autism, develop
medical treatments that help children and adults effectively manage
the disorder and find a cure. That is what the NAAR Autism Genome
Project is all about." For phase one of the project, which is
currently under way, NAAR has contracted with Affymetrix, Inc.
(NASDAQ:AFFX), of Santa Clara, CA, which pioneered and invented DNA
array technology and is supplying hardware and equipment for the
scan. The Phoenix-based Translational Genomics Research Institute,
a non-profit research center, is responsible for performing the
scan itself. Affymetrix GeneChip(R) DNA array technology uses
synthesized DNA on a glass chip to enable scientists to examine the
genome on a much finer level and generate results much faster than
using older technologies. This project is one of the first times
that DNA array technology is being used on such a large scale in
the search for genes associated with disease. Scientists suspect
that autism is caused by many genes, and perhaps also by
environmental factors. Research has been limited in part because,
until now, there has been no technology that could effectively
search autism patients' DNA, which contains more than 30,000 genes,
in fine detail for mutations they have in common. Traditionally,
isolating the DNA mutations that are common in a disease is the
first step toward finding the genetic causes. Affymetrix' new
GeneChip(R) DNA array technology combines biotechnology with
computer chip, or semiconductor, technology, to allow researchers
to quickly scan an individual's entire genome for over 10,000
mutations that will help researchers isolate the genetic causes of
autism. "Affymetrix is excited and honored to be chosen by NAAR as
the platform of choice for this landmark study," said Affymetrix
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Stephen P.A. Fodor, Ph.D.
"Our scientists have worked diligently over the last few years to
develop the genetic tools precisely for this type of study.
Parent-driven organizations like NAAR are focused on discovering
new information that will positively impact their children's lives,
and we believe that this study will allow them to achieve their
goals quickly." The NAAR Autism Genome Project illustrates how
collaborations can create the statistical power needed to work on
complex diseases. "This project represents both the power of
collaboration and the power of genomic science on a grand scale,"
said Dietrich A. Stephan, Ph.D., director of Neurogenomics at
Translational Genomics and the scientist leading the chip-based
genome scan. "Patients, researchers and doctors from around the
world have banded together to begin to crack the mystery of what
causes autism. This unified effort ushers in a new paradigm in
autism research." The project is bringing renewed hope to parents
of children with autism, excited by the recent convergence of new
technologies and a united effort from the research community. "As a
parent of a child with autism, it is incredibly encouraging to see
so many researchers come together to confront a devastating
disorder that affects millions of families around the world and
continues to baffle scientists," said NAAR Trustee Deborah
Hilibrand, whose family foundation has pledged $1 million towards
the NAAR Autism Genome Project. "Now is the time that we can
harness the latest technologies and fast-track our research efforts
with the support of the National Institutes of Health and other
organizations." The NAAR Autism Genome Project also includes a
second scan based on microsatellite technology that will be
conducted by the Center for Inherited Disease Research (CIDR), a
genotyping core facility affiliated with the National Human Genome
Research Institute and supported by the NIH. Once the first phase
is complete, researchers will conduct fine mapping of the
chromosomal intervals identified by both genome scans, followed by
further examination of genetic mutations that are designed to lead
to the identification of susceptibility genes. Autism is a complex
brain disorder that often inhibits a person's ability to
communicate, respond to surroundings or form relationships with
others. More than one million Americans are living with some form
of autism. Most people with autism spectrum disorders require
lifelong supervision and care, and the most severely affected will
never be able to speak. Autism is largely considered the most
heritable of neuropsychiatric disorders, however the causes of
autism are not known and there are no ways to biologically diagnose
the disorder. Also, there are no specific medical treatments for
autism or a cure. Recent studies by the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control & Prevention suggest that the prevalence of autism
spectrum disorders has significantly increased, from approximately
four in 10,000 in the early 1990s to as many as one in every 166
births today. Some studies place the prevalence even higher. Autism
is typically diagnosed by the age of two or three and considered a
spectrum disorder because symptoms and severity vary from
individual to individual. According to a poll conducted by NAAR
last year, a majority of Americans believe that autism research
should be awarded a much higher priority and want both the
government and the private sector to increase research funding to
develop better methods to diagnose and treat autism and to find a
cure for the disorder. About NAAR Established in 1994, the National
Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) is the first non-profit
organization in the country dedicated to funding and accelerating
biomedical research for autism spectrum disorders. The organization
was established by parents of children with autism concerned about
the limited amount of funding for autism research. To date, NAAR
has committed $21.1 million in grants for biomedical research
projects worldwide that seek to find the causes, prevention,
effective treatments and, ultimately, cure for autism spectrum
disorders -- more than any other non-governmental entity. Walk
F.A.R. for NAAR is the organization's signature fundraising and
autism awareness event, which is held annually in numerous
communities across the United States. Additionally, NAAR was
instrumental in establishing the Autism Tissue Program, a
parent-led brain tissue donation program for autism research.
NAAR's national office is located at 99 Wall Street, Research Park,
Princeton, NJ 08540. http://www.naar.org/ About Affymetrix
Affymetrix is a pioneer in creating breakthrough tools that are
driving the genomic revolution. By applying the principles of
semiconductor technology to the life sciences, Affymetrix develops
and commercializes systems that enable scientists to improve
quality of life. The Company's customers include pharmaceutical,
biotechnology, agrichemical, diagnostics and consumer products
companies as well as academic, government and other non-profit
research institutes. Affymetrix offers an expanding portfolio of
integrated products and services, including its integrated GeneChip
brand platform, to address growing markets focused on understanding
the relationship between genes and human health. Additional
information on Affymetrix can be found at
http://www.affymetrix.com/. About Translational Genomics (TGen)
Established in 2002, TGen is a not-for-profit research institute
whose primary mission 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 to apply to the development of diagnostics,
prognostics and therapies for cancer, neurological disorders,
diabetes and other complex diseases. For additional information on
this project, as well as other research initiatives focused on
autism, please visit the TGen web site at http://www.tgen.org/.
DATASOURCE: National Alliance for Autism Research CONTACT: Joe
Guzzardo, Communications Director of NAAR, +1-888-777-6227, ext. 17
Web site: http://www.affymetrix.com/ Web site: http://www.naar.org/
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