TECHGENE

High throughput molecular diagnostics in individual patients for genetic diseases with heterogeneous clinical presentation

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Since the sequencing of the human genome has been completed the demand for genetic analysis in the human health care system is drastically increasing, and the extension of molecular genetic diagnostics is urgently needed. However, the majority of genetic diseases is molecularly and clinically highly heterogeneous, and until recently the available techniques lacked the required capacity to analyze several genes in parallel. The recently introduced high-throughput whole genome sequencing (WGS) technology now offers the unique opportunity to extend molecular genetic analysis by introducing these techniques, and develop taylormade medical resequencing approaches for molecular genetic diagnosis of heterogeneous disorders. This project aims to deliver crucial innovations leading to these approaches, and to deliver a proof-of-principle for its implementation in selected model disorders. The model disorders have been selected with increasing genetic complexity, and represent the majority of non-multifactorial genetic disorders. The current momentum to perform these innovations by a European consortium of clinical genetic diagnostic laboratories and research laboratories and industrial stakeholders will lead to a front-running position of European laboratories and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in this field. The consortium putting forward this proposal consists of leading scientists and established laboratories providing cutting edge knowledge with respect to quality management aspects, ethical and societal issues, and cost effectiveness issues. This is the only approach that will warrant the development of diagnostic tools designed to restrict genetic testing to relevant medical factors. For European SMEs this proposal offers the opportunity to identify niches in the steadily increasing molecular genetic market. A specially designed training programme will take care of rapid dissemination of the acquired knowledge and tools across Europe.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An ambitious European project has made major headway into the use of genetic diagnosis for diseases that are affected by multiple genes. Techgene has used the benefit of rapid-throughput gene sequencing adapted for different diseases.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Since the advent of genome sequencing, there has been increased demand for gene analysis to be included in therapy. Unfortunately, most genetic diseases are caused by the input of many genes and are highly heterogeneous.

The recently developed technology 'Massively Parallel Sequencing' (MPS) provides the capacity to screen for analysing several genes in parallel. Using this high-throughput whole genome sequencing (WGS) method, the EU-funded project Techgene aimed to tailor gene sequencing methods to fit specific genetic diseases.

For the initial part of this project the focus was on two steps. First, patient samples were analysed for mutations. From there, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) reagents and protocols could be developed for known and unknown mutations.

Techgene researchers refined HTS techniques for many complex genetic disorders. These include haemoglobinopathy, breast cancer, sensory disorders such as retinal dystrophies and hearing loss, paraplegia and ataxia, as well as many mental retardation syndromes.

For breast cancer, two different mutation scanning methods were tested and enrichment steps developed and assessed. Substantial progress was also made for neurological motor dysfunctions. Project partners also worked to develop a joint gene capture tool for genetic motor disorders for recessive ataxia and paraplegia incorporating over 100 genes which is to be extended to dystonia and hereditary Parkinson's. The Techgene team also tested several alternative strategies for gene capture and amplification including Raindance that eliminates enrichment bias.

Dissemination was achieved through the website at http://www.techgene.eu/project, scientific publications and at conferences. For training, four workshops were held and a training facility set up in Prague.

Always a consideration in genetic diagnostics, the project has analysed legal and ethical issues according to specific country requirements. The analysis is being prepared in collaboration with the public and professional policy committee of the European Society of Human Genetics.

Evaluation of cost-effectiveness and economic impact of the introduction of the new HTS into clinical practice was commenced, with breast cancer being selected for the first model. Work by the Techgene project promises to put European research at the forefront of this important diagnostic field.