AsianScientist (Oct. 14, 2011) – Autism science and advocacy organization, Autism Speaks, and genomics giant, BGI, have partnered to create the world’s largest library of sequenced genomes of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. An estimated 1 in 110 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 600 percent increase in the past two decades that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.
Using the Autism Speaks Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE), this collaboration will perform whole genome sequencing on more than 2,000 participating families who have two or more children on the autism spectrum. In addition, Autism Speaks and BGI will collect and sequence genome samples from individuals in China.
“This collaboration will transform the field and greatly accelerate basic and translational research in autism and related developmental disabilities,” said Autism Speaks Vice President for Scientific Affairs, Dr. Andy Shih.
“This collection of sequenced genomes will facilitate new collaborations engaging researchers around the world, and enable public and private entities to pursue pivotal research.”
The Autism Speaks BGI collaboration will be conducted over a two-year period. The initial pilot sequencing of 100 genomes will be directly funded by the Autism Speaks science portfolio. Additional funding will be secured from government, donors, and public and private sources.
“Piece by piece, we are discovering genetic mutations that can cause autism and we have learned from examples involving single gene disorders associated with autism, such as Fragile X and Rett Syndrome, that genetic findings substantially increase our understanding of the underlying biology of autism,” said Dr. Geraldine Dawson, Autism Speaks chief science officer.
“Our ultimate goal is for the information we will gain from whole genome sequencing to contribute to the development of novel effective treatments to improve the lives of individuals impacted by autism.”
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Source: BGI China.
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