|
|
Epigenomics licenses marker in blood from Johns Hopkins University that may indicate predesposition to colon cancer
 |
 |
| Date: Tuesday, 18.03.2003 |
|
| Berlin, Germany and Seattle, WA, USA |
|
Potential To Develop First Test For Colon Cancer Predisposition From A Blood Sample
Epigenomics, a transatlantic biotechnology company, announced today that it has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Johns Hopkins University for an at risk marker for colon cancer discovered by Prof. Andrew Feinberg. This marker is described in Science, Mar 14, 2003. From a simple blood test, detecting the presence of the marker is approximately 20-fold more likely with a history of colorectal cancer, and approximately five-fold more likely with a family history of colorectal cancer. Epigenomics and Johns Hopkins University intend to research the marker further and develop a test to detect its presence using Epigenomics’ proprietary DNA methylation technologies, potentially avoiding onerous colonoscopy for many patients. Identified patients would then be encouraged to participate frequently in a cancer screening program.
The presence of the marker indicates the loss of imprinting, a natural mechanism that "locks" the expression of a gene depending on its parental origin by DNA methylation. DNA methylation is a natural "switch" that controls gene expression giving rise to distinct patterns in cells, including those found in cancer and other diseases. These patterns enable the early detection and classification of tumors from tissue and bodily fluids, such as blood serum or urine samples.
"Andrew’s research at Johns Hopkins University is really pioneering a new age in disease detection. As described in the Science paper last week, for the first time an at risk marker based on loss of imprinting (LOI) has been found in the blood that correlates to a specific cancer, in this case colon cancer," stated Dr. Kurt Berlin, Chief Scientific Officer at Epigenomics. "We hope that by developing a DNA-methylation based test to indicate the predisposition of individuals to this frequent disease that people at risk will regularly participate in screenings and seek treatment in sufficient time, if a diagnosis is made."
As discussed in a paper in Science, Mar 14, 2003 ("A commonly abnormal Epigenetic Marker associated with Famliy and Personal History of Colorectal Neoplasia", vol 299, number 5613, p 1753ff), loss of imprinting of a normally imprinted locus of chromosome 11 is strongly associated with both a family history and personal history of colorectal cancer. Loss of imprinting at this locus can be detected in about 10% of the American population. Prospective studies will be performed to confirm that loss of imprinting at this locus concurs with a higher risk of developing colon cancer.
Background on Imprinting
In each cell of the body, there are two copies of each gene, one from the mother and one from the father. Usually, information from both sets of genes is used by the cells to produce ("express") their products (hormones, proteins, etc.). However, the expression of a few genes in cells has been found to be dependent on whether the gene came from the mother or the father. The process by which expression is altered based on the parental orgin of the genes is termed imprinting. One of the mechanisms involved in imprinting is DNA methylation.
Epigenomics is committed to significantly improving the treatment of cancer and other complex diseases by developing novel diagnostic and pharmacogenomic products based on DNA methylation. By detecting and interpreting DNA methylation patterns, the \"on\" and \"off\" signs for genes, Epigenomics can create a digitized readout (Digital Phenotype®) for each cell. The comparison of a patient’s cells against healthy and sick reference samples enables an exact diagnosis of disease at a very early stage and provides physicians with essential information to help guide an appropriate therapy. The combination of diagnosis and therapy, based on this information and robust proprietary technology, is "personalizing" medicine. Epigenomics is supported by a network of renowned academic researchers and clinicians, with expertise in the fields of cancer and DNA methylation. The company has its headquarters in Berlin, Germany, and a wholly owned subsidiary in Seattle, USA. For further information, please visit our website at www.epigenomics.com. |
|
| back |
|
top of the page
|
