A huge genetic sequencing project will see 50,000 samples from UK Biobank analysed to create what the UK government is calling a world-first ‘epigenetic map’. It will deliver a comprehensive dataset of epigenetic modification in the human genome which scientific researchers can use to find new insights into diseases like cancer and dementia.
The collaboration will see Oxford Nanopore use its genetic sequencing technology to analyse the samples from UK Biobank - a database of in-depth genetic, health and lifestyle information from half a million UK volunteers.
Epigenetics looks at heritable traits, or a change of cell function, that occurs without changes to the DNA sequence. These modifications can arise randomly or a response to environmental factors such as smoking or UV exposure. “Our lifestyle and environment can cause chemical changes to our DNA, which can contribute to disease by altering the ways genes tell the body which proteins to produce. By understanding these chemical changes, known as epigenetics, we can learn why some people fall ill and others don’t, even when they share the same genes,” explained Professor Naomi Allen, chief scientist at the UK Biobank.
With researchers currently only have a small amount of epigenetic data to study, the project will create a unique dataset, she said. "It is orders of magnitude bigger, and because of the technology, the data will be much more detailed. Combining epigenetic data with the existing genetic, imaging, proteomic and lifestyle data that UK Biobank holds for our participants, will lead to a much better understanding of how diseases develop in mid- to old-age," she said.
As well as UK Biobank, Oxford Nanopore Technologies will collaborate with Genomics England, and NHS England.
“This partnership will build on expertise to monitor emerging diseases as they arise, putting our scientists and decision-makers one-step ahead and providing the information they need to make informed decisions,” said the UK government's Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.
Oxford Nanopore added that its partnership with Genomics England and UK Biobank will focus on translating research-based discoveries from the laboratory into clinical settings, benefiting UK healthcare. “By working alongside our partners on shared goals of improved patient outcomes - whether in cancer, human genetic disease or infectious disease - we believe we can deploy our unique DNA/RNA sequencing technology in ways that are most impactful for the people of the UK,” said Gordon Sanghera, CEO Oxford Nanopore.
Earlier this month Oxford Nanopore announced that a collaboration with the UK government was being established to create the world’s first real-time surveillance system for dangerous pathogens. The early warning framework will detect and respond to emerging pandemics and biological threats, meaning that potential outbreaks of bacterial or viral diseases can monitored alongside antimicrobial resistance across the UK.
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