Population Genetics collaborates with Cambridge University to unravel the genetic causes of ...

Population Genetics collaborates with Cambridge University to unravel the genetic causes of Asperger Syndrome

Cambridge, UK – 9^th July, 2012 – Population Genetics Technologies Ltd. and the University of Cambridge’s Autism Research Centre have begun a joint study to identify sequence variants in two genes, both of which have been previously associated with Asperger Syndrome.

 

Under the agreement Population Genetics will undertake the genetic analysis and retain rights to commercialise any biomarkers discovered. Results of the study are expected during 2012.

 

The study is based on 1000 samples, half of which are from people with high functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome, and half are from controls. In this study, Population Genetics will be applying its proprietary Reflex™ technology that allows variant discovery along a discrete contiguous target in large populations.

 

The study uses buccal (mouth swab) samples, which are less invasive to collect than blood samples: having a technology such as Reflex™ which can make use of buccal samples is important for the large population studies in which Population Genetics specialises.

 

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre (ARC) at Cambridge, said: “Most genetic studies have focused on classic autism but the genetics of high-functioning autism may yield valuable insights because these are individuals who do not have associated learning disability or language delays. Working with Population Genetics gives us an exciting way to test our previous findings that variations within these two genes are associated with high functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome.”

 

Dr Bhismadev Chakrabarti, Director of Genetics at the ARC, said: “These genes are prime candidates for helping us understand abnormalities in sex-steroid hormones and neural connectivity respectively”.

 

This study is one of a number being conducted by the ARC to examine if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these candidate genes differ in their frequency between cases and controls; or if these SNPs are associated with phenotypic measures that the ARC has developed, such as the Autism Spectrum Quotient. Another of the ARC’s goals is to test if the same or different associations are found in Asperger Syndrome and classic autism.

 

Alan Schafer, CEO of Population Genetics, commented: “We are pleased to be working with Professor Baron-Cohen on a syndrome of such genetic and symptomatic complexity. Unravelling the underlying genetic contributions could provide a path towards a better understanding of causation and potentially to markers to guide further investigation.”

Please address all inquiries to:

 

Dr. Frank Massam ,

Chief Commercial Officer,

Population Genetics Technologies
+44 (0)1223 497359 

frank.massam@populationgenetics.com

 

Dr Clare Jones

Account Director

Alto Marketing

+44(0)1489 557672

clarej@alto-marketing.com

 

About Population Genetics
Population Genetics Technologies Limited, on the Babraham Research Campus near Cambridge, UK, has developed novel approaches for genetic analyses and biomarker discovery, derived from the work of its co-founder, Nobel Laureate Sydney Brenner, on the rapid identification of genetic variants in large target populations. Working with researchers and clinicians the company uses its expertise and proprietary techniques to identify variation and trait association information which can then be used as a target for the development of clinical trials, diagnostics and treatment in humans as well as agronomic applications. www.populationgenetics.com

 

About the Autism Research Centre
Founded in 1999 the ARC is situated within the School of Clinical Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry, at the University of Cambridge. The ARC has approximately 30 research scientists and support staff, drawn from a range of disciplines (cognitive neuroscience, psychiatry, paediatrics, neonatology, genetics, and biochemistry). Partnered with the National Autistic Society (the UK's leading charity for autism) and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust, the ARC receives funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC), the Wellcome Trust, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the Three Guineas Trust, and the Baily Thomas Trust, among other sponsors. http://www.autismresearchcentre.com