GenaGrid

Biomedical domains

Genomic investigation of asthma and atopy in human samples

We are increasing our asthma, atopic and control biobanks with approximately 50-100 samples in each year, and perform screenings of the genomic regions and selected genes found previously associated with the diseases. We select the investigated SNPs with our software developed for SNP selection and scoring, sequencing the genome around the associating SNPs in patients with different genotypes. After bioinformatic analysis of the data of the microarray screenings carried out earlier in the mouse model of asthma at 3 points in time, and after some additional investigations, we have identified several genes as important new genes in asthma. We also collect human samples from asthmatic and non-asthmatic patients. Continuation of the characterization of this gene in these samples is also essential: do its SNPs influence the disease susceptibility, its activity, expression level and amount in different human samples (serum, specimens gained from human lungs)? With bioinformatic tools using public databases we select the most promising additional genes or micro RNAs from the animal experiments, and from the SNP screenings. We study their significance and function. We will develop and apply integrative probabilistic models for the joint measurements of genetic variations and expression levels.

Genomic and pharmacogenomic investigation of childhood tumours

In the past 10 years in the Department of Genetic Cell and Immunobiology of the Semmelweis University we collected more than 700 DNA samples and detailed clinical data from children treated for different types of tumours: osteosarcoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and testicle tumour. In our studies we search for genetic variations which influence the risk to the diseases or the successes or side effects of the treatments. We participate also in large international studies, e.g. we joined the Acute lymphoblastic Leukaemia Study Consortium.