Genetic Analysis Initiative for Individualized Medicine

Project Description Narrative:

Assessment of the genetic propensity for disease in human subjects has been limited by technology that allows identification of a relatively small number of relevant genetic mutations such only a few genes can be scanned. A new technology now exists that will increase the screening capability five-fold, greatly increasing the number of genes that are searched. This project aims to use this technology to screen the gene sequences of serval well-characterized Milwaukee populations of families with and without cardiovascular disease to identify new linkages between gene mutations and disease. The results of the screens will be able to be used to help subjects when new genetic markers are identified in the future. The project will position the Medical College of Wisconsin as one of the premier cents for translational medicine, while enabling its hospital partners to become the first in the Midwest to adopt individualized medicine across the majority of their clinical services.