Constella Group Supporting DNA Resequencing and Genotyping Service Sponsored by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Web Site to Apply for Service Now Online
June 27, 2005
Many experts believe that genetic research holds the key to identifying the root source of a variety of diseases and disorders. DNA resequencing, a relatively new process in the field of genomics, is a method that allows geneticists to align and compare the genetic codes of individuals suffering from an illness to those of healthy individuals in an effort to pinpoint anomalies which may indicate the specific gene linked to that illness. Researchers can also establish the genotype, or gene classification, of an individual or group to determine what diseases and/or disorders those individuals may be predisposed or susceptible to based on their genetic makeup.
In support of this type of groundbreaking research, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health is sponsoring a DNA Resequencing and Genotyping (RS&G) Service at no cost to qualified investigators.
This new RS&G Service is the next generation in genotyping services, succeeding those which currently help investigators identify genomic regions of interest, such as the highly successful NHLBI Mammalian Genotyping Service -- now in its final round. With the new RS&G Service, investigators can now move from their genomic regions of interest to the specific genes involved in a disease.
To be eligible for the new RS&G Service, researchers must be conducting ongoing studies associated with genetic components involved in the cause, variable outcome, and progression of diseases associated with the heart, lungs, blood vessels and blood; as well as sleep disorders.
Constella Group is the Administrative Coordinating Center for the RS&G Service and has developed a new website outlining the full details of the service including information about NHLBI, the goal of the RS&G service, the service providers involved, and the application criteria and submission process. The site is now online at http://rsng.nhlbi.nih.gov.
"Constella is very excited about supporting the RS&G Service because of the potential impact it may have on identifying and delineating the underlying causes of illnesses affecting the heart, lungs, blood vessels and blood," said Constella Health Sciences President, Chris LeGrand. "NHLBI is a leader in supporting research and development in these vital areas and Constella is honored that we were selected to help facilitate this potentially groundbreaking initiative."
In addition to Constella's logistical efforts, the RS&G Service is also being supported by three renowned laboratory centers that are providing the research services. The University of Washington and the J. Craig Venter Institute will perform the DNA resequencing services while Johns Hopkins University will provide genotyping services. Each of these prestigious centers offers high-throughput, large-scale DNA resequencing and/or genotyping capabilities.
Researchers interested in applying for the RS&G service must apply through the aforementioned website (http://rsng.nhlbi.nih.gov). The submission deadline for 2005 is November 1. Deadlines for 2006 through 2009 are also listed on the site.
Scientists interested in general information about NHLBI DNA RS&G services can contact Dr. Deborah Applebaum-Bowden at applebad@nhlbi.nih.gov.
For issues related to the application process or general comments regarding the website, contact the Administrative Coordinating Center (Constella), at rsng_acc@constellagroup.com.
About Constella Group, LLC
Constella Group is a leading provider of professional health services worldwide, dedicated to enhancing human health around the world, every day. Constella's three business units-Health Sciences, Futures Group and Clinical Informatics-create and provide health intelligence to help industry and government clients identify and solve critical problems affecting human health. The company's approximately 1,100 employees serve clients from company headquarters in Durham, N.C., from U.S. offices in Research Triangle Park, N.C., Washington, D.C.; Bethesda, Frederick and Silver Spring, Md.; Glastonbury, Conn.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Morgantown, W.Va.; from a U.K. office in Bath and one in New Delhi, India; and from client sites and other offices across the world. For more information, visit http://www.constellagroup.com.