Scots scientists join forces to lead world in genetics research

SCOTLAND is set to become a global leader in genetic research, with the creation of an institute focusing on the search for treatments for conditions such as cancer and cystic fibrosis.

Scientists from two leading medical institutes in Edinburgh are joining forces to help further research into a range of genetic diseases.

More than 200 staff and students from the Medical Research Council (MRC) human genetics unit will link up with the University of Edinburgh to form one of the largest centres for human genetics and molecular medicine in Europe.

Experts said the Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine (IGMM) will aim to deliver clinical benefits directly to patients suffering from a variety of diseases, including brain and eye disorders, cystic fibrosis and childhood and adult cancers.

The university, MRC and Cancer Research UK have been working together for many years in human genetics research in the hope of developing new treatments for serious illnesses.

But IGMM director Professor Nicholas Hastie said it was hoped the merger – backed by around £60 million of funding from the MRC over five years – had the potential to provide major insights into mechanisms of disease and human biology.

He said: “Great science is all about scientists coming together, interacting and exchanging ideas. Combining forces will give us the impetus to turn the potential of the genetic revolution into reality, bringing new understanding and treatments of disease.”

In recent years, researchers across the world have discovered a growing number of genes linked to different illnesses, with the hope that faults in these genes could be targeted and corrected by new drugs. Developments in Scotland include the opening last year of a centre at Edinburgh University to find new treatments for the distressing genetic mutation known as fragile X syndrome, which has strong links to autism.

Researchers at the centre want to develop new therapies for the condition, which can cause severe learning difficulties, language impairment and behavioural problems such as anxiety and hyperactivity.

But doubts have also been raised about the potential of genetic research to provide quickly a remedy for conditions such as cancer and diabetes.

Sceptics have said that in most cases, individual genes gave little information about the real risk of illness and, in reality, probably had a much lower effect on illness than factors, such as diet, lifestyle and the environment.

However, Professor Jonathan Seckl, dean of research of the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine at Edinburgh, said the latest venture would make IGMM a world leader in genetics research.

“We will be able to use our increased knowledge and understanding of the human genome to develop new tests and therapies for patients suffering from devastating genetic diseases and cancers,” he added.

Sir John Chisholm, chairman of the MRC, said: “This is part of the MRC’s strategy to make best use of the increasing capabilities of the university sector and maximise the return in terms of health and wealth from research expenditure.”