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Dupuytren Foundation DNA study is now underway.
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03/15/2009 15:19
DupFoundation 
03/15/2009 15:19
DupFoundation 
Dupuytren Foundation DNA study is now underway.

The Dupuytren Foundation has completed arrangements with Scripps Research to establish a DNA bank. Tiny samples of palm nodule tissue retrieved through a small incision with local anesthetic will be stored and housed by Scripps Research. Samples are obtained during needle aponeurotomy or other procedures. Scripps will make these samples available to interested researchers.

This opens up very exciting possibilities in the search for a cure.

First, it should be possible to bank hundreds of samples for analysis, greatly increasing the chances of identifying the responsible gene(s) with a real degree of certainty. Previous Dupuytren DNA studies have had access to only a handful of samples.

Second, Scripps has the technology to reproduce DNA samples. This will allow a large number of samples to be made available to any number of researchers around the world.

Third, once the relevant genes are identified, gene activation analysis can focus further research to look at specific medications which will act directly on those specific gene products.

The problem with finding a cure for Dupuytren's is that the basic biology is very similar to the normal biology of wound healing, and so most medications which would be potent enough to work are fairly toxic. We need a very specific intervention to affect the Dupuytren's in a safe way, and genetic analysis is the straightest course to do this, avoiding the need for trial and error.

This project is sponsored by the Dupuytren Foundation.

Charles Eaton MD

05/03/2009 16:27
philwaite 
05/03/2009 16:27
philwaite 
Re: Dupuytren Foundation DNA study is now underway.

First and foremost, good luck with the project.
Would be great to receive updates from time to time.

1. How could members of this site help?

2. How will the new availability of the samples be communicated to potential companies/researchers?

3. How best to communicate the 'business case' of developing a cure?

After all, the researchers are presumably already busy & 'we' will be competing for their time and budgets against other medical challenges (business opportunities for them). At the end of the day, they run a business & research spend will be influenced & directed by profit potential.

4. Would such research also be of value to the treatment/cure of the other well know associated diseases e.g. Ledderhose, Peyronies, Frozen Shoulder, Knuckle Pads. If so, this should be made visible as part of any business case.

5. Is this a project with focus on North America only?

05/18/2009 12:11
philwaite 
05/18/2009 12:11
philwaite 
Re: Dupuytren Foundation DNA study is now underway.

No answers?
No feedback?
Perhaps I am on wrong track?

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