DNAPrint Genomics 'Solves' Human Eye Color and Announces the Development of First Commercial Product.
SARASOTA, Fla., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- DNAPrint genomics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DNAP) announced today that its scientists have discovered the world's first genomics "solution" for predicting the shade of eye color from human DNA. The discovery, which was presented to an audience of genomics experts at the TIGR's Genome Sequence and Analysis Conference (GSAC) on October 27, 2001, constitutes the company's first genomics-based classification product, and represents a major breakthrough in the application of human genome technology and information resources for the dissection of complex human genetic traits. The new product (RETINOME(SM) is capable of using a DNA specimen to predict the degree to which an individual's retinas are pigmented with over 96% accuracy. Until now, forensic DNA testing has only been able to produce "bar- code like" data from DNA, which is limited in utility for matching a DNA specimen with another previously derived from the same donor. If not matched to another previously obtained result, current tests are of limited use because they reveal no qualitative information about the donor (such as eye color, hair color, skin shade, weight or height). DNAPrint believes its new RETINOME(SM) product is the first comprehensive genetic test capable of revealing qualitative trait information from human DNA. As a new forensics tool, RETINOME(SM) could help law enforcement target investigations and provide probable cause for requesting a standard DNA test from criminal suspects. As a research tool, RETINOME(SM) could accelerate drug development for pigmentation related diseases such as cataracts and melanoma.
DNAPrint has filed a U.S. patent application (US patent pending serial NO. 60/300,187) covering the composition of matter and methods related to the RETINOME(SM) discovery. The company has also submitted a manuscript describing the "solution" to a major scientific journal. The solution incorporates compound genotypes from five haplotype systems in four different genes. The four genes were previously known from genetics of human diseases (such as oculocutaneous albinism) to be involved in the synthesis of the main pigment (eumelanin) responsible for the coloration of human tissues. However, two of the four genes were not previously known to be specifically involved in retinal pigmentation. DNAPrint scientists first discovered numerous SNPs in a number of candidate genes using proprietary discovery protocols and software. Haplotypes incorporating a subset of these SNPs, in a subset of these genes, were then assembled and linked to various eye color shades with a high degree of statistical certainty (average p[haplotype system at the population level]= 0.007). The company then applied proprietary and third-party computational methods to assemble these haplotypes into a classification "solution" of compound genotypes that explained most of the variation in natural eye color shade in the project study group (n=276). Previous attempts to "solve" variable eye color by others had been hampered by the inter- and intra-genic complexity of the trait. DNAPrint was able to overcome these challenges using its innovative complex genetics informatics platform with a variety of algorithmic methods for identifying genetic features, detecting genetic pattern and constructing classification trees.
"Had we performed this work like others, on simple genetics terms, we would never have found the answer," said Dr. Tony Frudakis, Ph.D., CEO and CSO of DNAPrint genomics, Inc. "It is because of our blend of computational, genetics and mathematical expertise that we are able to tease the complex genetics of eye color from the data, and it is because of this expertise that RETINOME(SM) is possible."
The SNPs that the company used to construct the solution represent a small component of the company's developing PHENOME(SM) database of proprietary SNPs, which covers most of the genes involved in variable drug reactivity. "The RETINOME(SM) solution reflects positively on the company's informatics capabilities, the quality of its data production and its ability to manage complex genomics datasets. "Our timely success with the RETINOME(SM) project validates our data resources and analytical prowess as a real and present force for pharmacogenomics research and product development," said Venkateswarlu Kondragunta, Vice-President of DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
RETINOME(SM) complements (rather than replaces) current DNA testing in the multi-million dollar forensics DNA testing market. The market for pigment related disease treatments could exceed $100 Million annually. The company will now proceed to identify a licensee for the RETINOME(SM) technology in order to effect its rapid commercialization. RETINOME(SM) is the company's first genomics-based classification product, and it joins only a handful of complex genetics predictive tools. After its licensing and validation by a commercialization partner, RETINOME(SM) is expected to provide DNAPrint's first substantial source of product-derived revenue.
About DNAPrint genomics, Inc.:
DNAPrint genomics Inc. was founded by a team of scientists with research and commercial experience in high-level mathematical modeling, programming and molecular genetics. The Company is traded on the NASDAQ OTC Bulletin Board under the ticker symbol -- DNAP. For more information about the company, please visit dnaprint.com.
All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward- looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act as amended. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, but not limited to, uncertainties relating to technologies, product development, manufacturing, market acceptance, cost and pricing of DNAPrint's products, dependence on collaborations and partners, regulatory approvals, competition, intellectual property of others, and patent protection and litigation. DNAPrint genomics, Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in DNAPrint's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based.
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Tim Wilkins, 941/341-0136
Or
Carrie Castillo, 941/366-3400
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SOURCE DNAPrint genomics, Inc.
/CONTACT: Tim Wilkins, +1-941-341-0136, or Carrie Castillo,
+1-941-366-3400, both of DNAPrint genomics, Inc./
/Web site: dnaprint.com |
