| Two research projects already slated for new genomics lab |
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| Written by Matthew Reagan | ||||
| Tuesday, 25 March 2008 05:39 PM | ||||
  The School of Nursing Genomics Translational Research Lab doors have only been open for two months, but the facility has already surpassed expectations of the doctors and staff who work there. Research associate dean Carolyn Cason said the lab already has two major projects slated. One will study how genomes affect breast cancer patients, and another will research childhood asthma symptoms. “This is such an exciting area for everybody,” she said. “If you look at what is happening nationally, it is in the area of genomics that we are seeing a real mushrooming of interest, funding and support for funding. We are right there where we need to be.” Associate professor Barbara Raudonis heads the research on how genotypes and proteins affect the fatigue level of breast cancer patients. Several women will be used in the study, Raudonis said, with the goal of eventually individualizing treatments for patients. The women will submit blood samples between chemotherapy treatments and the lab will study the genotypes of proteins found. “We want to look at the relationships to symptoms that our patients are experiencing,” Raudonis said. “Our goal is trying to take the science and the clinical care and putting it together.” She said the key to the research is translating what science has brought to medicine in the form of genome makeup and using it to affect patients’ health levels. Program science director Patricia Newcomb leads the study of childhood asthma symptoms. She said the lab is not important just for currently-slated projects. The strong connections made with those who could use the lab in the future for other similar research, including graduate students, is also significant. “This is a long-term effort,” Newcomb said. “If we obtain interesting results from the first two projects, we will have done very well for the first year.” The UT System initially gave a grant of $500,000 to fund the lab and now has added $150,000. The School of Nursing also contributed $10,000 for lab supplies, and a the university gave a research enhancement grant. Views: 3503 | E-mail
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 September 2008 03:38 PM ) | ||||
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