All genetic variants linked to the disease can be identified by employing whole-genome sequencing of affected individuals
Avesthagen, a leading knowledge based life sciences company pioneering the convergence between food, pharma and population genetics, has recently announced the completion of whole genome sequence of a Parsi breast cancer patient. Employing whole-genome sequencing of affected individuals all genetic variants linked to the disease can be identified.
This will lead to a broader understanding of breast cancer disease mechanisms, the development of new diagnostic tests, and the discovery of new drug targets and design of drugs.
This study is part of The AVESTAGENOME Project, a systems biology based study on the Parsi population to determine the genetic basis of longevity and age-related disorders.
The whole genome sequencing is being carried out in partnership with The Genome Analysis Centre (TGAC), UK. The TGAC team is employing the SOLiD™ four next-generation sequencing platform (Applied Biosystems) to generate a draft sequence. Avesthagen’s bioinformatics experts will analyse and interpret the DNA sequence data and work with international partners to integrate the data set with other studies, so that it has the greatest possible impact.
Commenting on these developments, Dr Villoo Morawala-Patell, Founder and CMD of Avesthagen, said, "With the AVESTAGENOME Project as a driver, Avesthagen intends to become the world leader in the development of new cancer diagnostics and drugs and thereby aims to be an industry leader in the development of personalised healthcare as well."