The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking proposals for research projects on the implications of information obtained from sequencing the genome to identify diseases in newborns. The intent of funding such projects is to further the understanding of disorders that appear during the newborn period and to improve treatments for these diseases.
Whole genome sequencing is a laboratory method that can determine the entire DNA sequence of a person's genetic material, or genome, from a DNA sample. In recent years, genomic technologies have advanced sufficiently so that it may be possible to use individuals' whole genome information to enhance medical care, including the care and treatment of newborns.
According to the funding announcement, the NIH is seeking proposals "to explore the implications, challenges, and opportunities associated with the possible use of genomic sequence information in the newborn period."
"The use of expanded genomic information has the potential to significantly impact newborn screening in both the clinical and public health setting and benefit numerous infants and children. However, it is vital that the use of genomic technology in newborns is explored in a thoughtful manner by teams of scientists who develop technology, treat children, and examine the ethical, legal and societal implications of implementing such programs.” said Tiina Urv, PhD, of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Branch of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).
"DNA-based testing is currently used to confirm diagnoses for some newborn conditions," said Anastasia Wise, PhD, epidemiologist, Office of Population Genomics, NHGRI. "Pilot studies funded under this programme will be useful to determine whether or not having genome sequence information contributes to improved clinical care of newborns."
The five-year programme will be co-funded by the NICHD and the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), both part of NIH.
This programme will sponsor research projects that bring together teams of researchers with expertise in the following areas:Genomic sequencing and analysis of genomic sequence information. Applying knowledge gained from genomic sequencing to patient care; Exploring the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomic information.
Officials at the NICHD and the NHGRI developed this initiative based on the advice of experts who attended a workshop to develop a research agenda on the potential application of genomic technology to newborn screening.
The NICHD sponsors research on development, before and after birth; maternal, child, and family health; reproductive biology and population issues; and medical rehabilitation.
NHGRI is one of the 27 institutes and centres at the NIH, an agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. The NHGRI Division of Extramural Research supports grants for research and training and career development at sites nationwide.
NIH, the nation's medical research agency, and is a component of the US Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases.