Genetic mutations, or changes in the DNA structure, are believed to contribute to the cause of complex human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and psoriasis. Detecting these mutations has been difficult due to the complexity of the interactions between disease genes and environmental effects. Now, dense marker maps, advanced genotyping technologies, extensive human sequence information, and advanced LD analysis methods make detection of the specific genetic differences between healthy and disease-affected individuals possible.
Galileo uses powerful genetics technologies together with samples from the Quebec founder population to identify mutations in genes that contribute to the cause of disease. Large numbers of participants are being recruited in Quebec for Galileo’s disease gene discovery programs. The technology platform is based on linkage disequilibrium mapping and haplotype sharing and is supported by genome-wide scanning, high throughput genotyping, and powerful analysis algorithms.