This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.The completion of the human genome sequence provides a new opportunity to associate genetic markers with disease. Traditionally based on family studies, future genetic research will tackle the diseases involving multiple genes and environmental factors using epidemiology. Such studies will dramatically improve patient care through identification of patients that will be responsive to certain therapies, providing early disease screening opportunities based on patient predisposition, and development of new diagnostic tests and therapies. These studies require access to DNA samples and associated patent information for large and heterogeneous populations. The purpose of this study is to provide an epidemiological approach to association of genes with specific diseases and to explore the genetic basis for therapeutic susceptibility and efficacy. This pilot study seeks to obtain information necessary for the large-scale collection of patient blood samples at Northwestern-affiliated hospitals and longitudinally associate them with medical records in a prospective manner. To accomplish this, NUgene will develop a centralized genomic DNA sample collection and storage system that anonymizes blood samples, and regularly updates phenotypic data from medical records through a double-blinded computer system. To minimize possible privacy concerns, we will employ an anonymizing process that automatically removes patient identifiers before information is transferred to the NUgene database. NUgene will recruit study participants consenting to collection of a single blood sample and access to their electronic medical information at enrollment and at periodic intervals to update the participant's health status.
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