DURHAM, N.C. – EA today announced this year’s recipients of its annual GWAS and Data Analysis grant: Elad Ziv from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Chunyan He from Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM). The grant was co-sponsored by Illumina and selection of the recipients was made by an outside review panel and facilitated by the American Cancer Society. The two studies met all grant requirements and demonstrated enough evidence to help assist in distinguishing genetic factors affecting the specific cancers they are targeting.

“We are pleased to co-sponsor this grant with EA to support cancer research”

.The proposed study from UCSF – Genetics of Multiple Myeloma (MM) – The main risk factors for MM are age, male sex, race/ethnicity and family history. Since family history is one of the strongest and most consistent risk factors, the study of genetic variations associated with MM risk are likely to shed light on the etiology of the disease. Complications from the disease seem to be heritable, with genetic studies potentially aiding in the prediction of bone complications. “Very little is known about what causes myeloma. By harnessing the power of modern genomics, we hope to unravel some of the genetic pathways that underlie risk for this disease, and identify some of the pathways that cause some myeloma to progress rapidly and others to develop complications like bone disease,” stated Elad Ziv, Associate Professor of Medicine at UCSF.

The study from IUMC – Integrating genome-wide association and mRNA expression profiling for the identification of novel breast cancer susceptibility genes – will combine genome-wide genotyping data with mRNA sequencing data to allow mapping of genetic variants that influence quantitative levels of gene expression. This strategy could be a more powerful tool than differential gene expression alone in identifying disease susceptibility genes. “The major challenge following a successful GWAS is to establish a functional link between the identified variants and breast cancer,” said Chunyan He, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at IUSM and the Principle Investigator of the research. “Through an integrative analysis of GWAS and gene expression profiling from the same subjects, we aim to identify novel susceptibility genes to breast cancer. This research will help us to understand the underlying molecular mechanism of the genetic association observed in the GWAS.”

“The overwhelming response to this year’s grant was a direct result of our collaborative efforts with Illumina. The program brought together proven technology and genomics expertise – Illumina’s Omni family of microarrays and EA’s expertise in providing outstanding genotyping data,” said Steve McPhail, President and CEO of EA. “By offering this program, we are enabling scientists to further their research and I believe this will put us on a direct path to finding explanations for genetic links affecting cancer patients, in both studies. I would not only like to thank all participants, as well as Illumina, for their contributions but also congratulate the recipients for the work they have done thus far in the fight against cancer.”

“We are pleased to co-sponsor this grant with EA to support cancer research,” said Jay Flatley, President and CEO of Illumina. “Our advanced technologies, including the Omni family of microarrays, are enabling scientists to gain a deeper understanding of the molecular biology of cancer and make discoveries that could one day lead to a revolution in cancer diagnostics and therapies. We congratulate the recipients and look forward to seeing the results of their valuable research.”

Initially the EA grant program was to be awarded to just one researcher. However, based on the merits of the two studies, EA and Illumina chose to award both institutions. Each researcher will receive 600 Illumina Omni Arrays and EA will process the arrays and analyze the data at no cost. Both projects will be completed by year’s end and the results of the data will be presented in separate public forums.

About Expression Analysis

Expression Analysis (www.ExpressionAnalysis.com) provides whole genome to focused set gene expression and genotyping assays along with DNA sequencings services, sequence enrichment technologies and bioinformatics support. Platforms utilized include Affymetrix GeneChip® and GeneTitan®, Fluidigm’s Biomark and Access Array Systems, Illumina BeadChip® and Genome Analyzer, NanoString Technologies nCounter® Analysis System, RainDance Technologies RDT 1000 and, in the near future, the Pacific Biosciences™ PacBio RS. Expression Analysis offers solutions for challenging specimens such as whole blood and FFPE tissues, as well as nucleic acid isolation and data analysis services. Our quality system follows CLSI guidelines and our CLIA-registered laboratory supports GLP compliance.

About Illumina

Illumina (https://www.illumina.com) is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of life science tools and integrated systems for large-scale analysis of genetic variation and function. We provide innovative sequencing and array-based solutions for genotyping, copy number variation analysis, methylation studies, gene expression profiling, and low-multiplex analysis of DNA, RNA and protein. We also provide tools and services that are fueling advances in consumer genomics and diagnostics. Our technology and products accelerate genetic analysis research and its application, paving the way for molecular medicine and ultimately transforming healthcare.