Gene Identification Signature technology

GIS scientists Dr Yijun Ruan and Dr Chialin Wei have developed an advanced sequencing and cloning technology that allows for deep and efficient annotation of the complete transcriptome. The new approach speeds up the cloning and sequencing cycle by at least 50 fold compared with current methods and facilitates the quick identification of novel cancer causing genes, uncovers specific targets of certain pharmacologic drugs, and identifies novel and previously undetected genes. This remarkable effort was awarded more than US$ 1 million by the National Institutes of Health as part of the ENCODE consortium. This technology is the foundation for the comprehensive map of all binding sites of the key transcription factors.

Estrogen receptor pathway variations in the susceptibility of breast cancer

In seeking to understand the genetics of the estrogen receptor pathway in breast cancer susceptibility, the GIS, under Dr Jianjun Liu and Prof Edison Liu, is working with the Karolinska Institute to identify estrogen-related genes associated with the development of breast cancer after hormone exposure. The information is culled from a 3,000 individual case-control cohort study that the Karolinska has established over the last ten years. This population genetics project In this way information and novel biomarkers are being identified which will be of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic use in aiding early identification and treatment of cancer sufferers. The collaboration is partially supported by a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation (USA).