News/Press Releases
Gene variation in the LRRK2 gene and high risk for Parkinson's Disease; May 30, 2009
Researchers at Matrix Genomics, Inc. have identified a concise genetic signature found among a third of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients infrequent in the population. The signature is found in the LRRK2 gene located on chromosome 12. The work was led by Elizabeth H. Corder, PhD, Scientific Director at Matrix Genomics.
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the Western world, and a major cause of disability and distress among older Americans. Family studies have long indicated that Parkinson's is a genetic disorder when certain mutations are inherited. However, specific genetic factors relevant to the general population have been elusive. The PD gene is called leucine risk repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) which encodes a protein called dardarin, derived from the Basque word dardara, meaning tremor. Mutations in LRRK2 are a common cause of familial Parkinson's disease.
This study published in the Annals of Human Genetics describes a combination of four gene variants found in a third of Parkinson's cases, but infrequent in the population. Thus the presence or absence of this signature can be used as a genetic test for Parkinson's disease. [Patent pending] Earlier work had identified each of the four variants as being associated with PD risk, but did not combine the information to make a specific risk signature.
Genetic testing using this approach is expected to identify a third of persons at very high risk. It will not identify other genetic factors or level of risk due to environmental exposures, such as pesticides, and lifestyle. Thus the absence of this risk signature does not guarantee low risk. This finding helps us understand what causes PD and could lead to new and more effective avenues for prevention and treatment. The advance is expected to identify individuals at greatest risk for PD before symptoms arise, when therapies and lifestyle changes might be most effective in slowing disease progression.
In 1993, Dr. Corder was the lead author on the Science article that described how risk for Alzheimer's disease multiplied according to the number of copies of the apolipoprotein E allele 4 inherited from parents. This finding has been replicated in hundreds of studies and remains the one established genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, and the prototype for investigating common gene variants for common disorders.
Matrix Genomics launches online genetic testing services; April 15, 2009
Santa Fe, N.M.; April 15, 2009 – Are you genetically susceptible to breast cancer? Do you have an inherited risk for heart attack or Alzheimer's disease? A DNA home testing kit from Matrix Genomics, a personal genomics company, can identify your propensity for developing common hereditary health conditions, enabling you and your doctor to develop a personalized medicine plan for preventative care that's tailored to your unique DNA profile. The company's direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing services are now available online via their newly launched website.
Genetic testing isn't a panacea, but knowing your genetic risk factors for a specific inherited disease or condition empowers you to take preventative interventions that may improve your health," says Larry Corder, PhD, President and CEO of Matrix Genomics. He adds that at-home DNA tests aren't a substitute for traditional health evaluation and conventional lab tests. "Ideally, a knowledgeable medical professional should be involved in the process of ordering our DNA tests and interpreting the results, which are comprehensive and complex," says Corder.
The hallmark of Matrix Genomics' approach to genetic testing is their proprietary risk analysis methodology. Corder notes that many DTC genetic testing companies estimate risk by isolating single genes or by multiplying odds ratios together based on a review of diverse unrelated published studies. "Individually, these studies are notoriously inaccurate," states Corder. Matrix Genomics, on the other hand, employs the Grade of Membership, or GoM, method of analysis, which yields much more accurate results. This approach helps Matrix Genomics define a range of inherited risk scores based on multiple gene interactions within a network of relevant genes, giving the customer a more meaningful report of their risk level for developing a given disease.
The genetic basis of common diseases is complex," says Dr. Elizabeth Corder, PhD, Scientific Director of Matrix Genomics. "Many factors influence how a gene works or who will get a disease and when. Polymorphisms in several different genes can, together, lead to the same disease, as is the case in some forms of Alzheimer's disease," says Dr. Elizabeth Corder.
Doctor Corder has been at the forefront of Alzheimer's gene research for over a decade. She has conducted extensive research on the disease and was the lead author on the landmark 1993 Science article that identified APOE e4 gene dose effect on Alzheimer's disease. While three genes on different chromosomes had been associated with early onset familial Alzheimer's, Dr. Corder's research found that a fourth gene, located on Chromosome 19, codes for a protein called APOE. APOE e4 is now considered a susceptibility gene for AD that multiplies risk approximately three-fold (one copy of APOE e4) to eight-fold (two copies). This finding continues to be the one established genetic risk factor for late onset AD in general populations. Yet, this one gene does not fully describe the risk for AD for all individuals, which is why Dr. Corder employs the multiple gene interaction approach that examines the complex and subtle interactions between a number of candidate genes to define risk more accurately.
Having a better understanding of one's risk for developing hereditary diseases can help a person and his or her family make better, more informed decisions about the future and discuss personalized treatment options with their doctor to either slow the progression of symptoms or to take steps to help prevent the onset of the disease through lifestyle improvements or adherence to frequent diagnostic testing," explains Dr. Corder. She strongly encourages customers to seek their doctor's advice about their test results. "A positive result and elevated risk score don't necessarily mean a disease will develop. Genetic tests provide only one piece of information about one's susceptibility to disease. Other factors, such as family background, medical history and environment also need to be considered." Matrix Genomics offers genetic consulting services to medical providers to facilitate the interpretation process and discuss the best course of action.
Currently, Matrix Genomics offers DNA genetic testing kits for Alzheimer's Disease, Breast Cancer and Heart Attack risk. Prices range from $349.00 for a single home DNA test to $679.00 for a package of all three kits.
Matrix Genomics is committed to improving health outcomes through personal genomics. As new gene associations with genetic disorders are discovered and Dr. Corder perfects the analysis of associated risk, new genetic tests will be added to Matrix Genomics' online test kits. Matrix Genomics believes the future of genetic testing holds much promise for enhancing medical care and life expectancy.
Matrix Genomics is a personal genomics company headquartered in Santa Fe, New Mexico, specializing in direct-to-consumer dna testing to assess an individual's genetic susceptibility for developing age-related inherited disorders. For more information about genetic testing services from Matrix Genomics, please contact Larry Corder, PhD at larrycorder@hotmail.com or 505-216-0660.