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A device for medical genetics research
The Arteres foundation has just received a donation of CHF 120'000, for research into medical genetics. Offered by the André & Cyprien Foundation, this sum will be used to purchase equipment essential for identifying the causes of, so far, unexplained mental disabilities.
Many mental disabilities remain unexplained. Why? Because of the limitations of current methods of chromosomal analysis which, as a result of the weakness of resolution, do not permit the detection of abnormalities in the tiny chromosome segments. A new technology, called "CHG-Microarray", resolves this problem. Offering a high screening resolution, it makes it possible to analyse minute chromosomes, to realize one hundred targeted tests simultaneously and, last but not least, to automate the interpretation of results. "This is the first decisive step, explains Professor Antonarakis. Once a new type of abnormality is identified, one can search out the gene(s) responsible for it, and understand the disease's mechanism. The final objective is, of course, screening and treatment."
The CGH-Microarray technique is a revolutionnary method which enables researchers to compare different ADNs. This device, costing CHF 120'000, will be bought thanks to the donation of the André & Cyprien Foundation. "We will now use this technique in wide ranging research involving more than 1'000 patients, and in collaboration with several Swiss and European genetics centers," rejoiced Stylianos Antonarakis. "This is a magnificent gesture".
Project Schedule
Device's purchase: January 2008
Device in service: February 2008
More (read the media release - in French) |
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