Research Axis
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health Axis
Research Theme
Genetic and metabolic diseases in Quebec: diagnosis, mechanisms and interventions
Address
CHUSJ - Centre de Recherche
Phone
514 345-4931 #4265
Fax
514 345-4801
Career Summary
In my career I have performed research in the basic biochemistry of mammalian gene expression, developmental genetics of drosophila and human genetics. Currently, I am pursuing a formal genetic analysis of the human genome.
Of the estimated 20,000-25,000 protein-coding genes in the human genome, fewer than 3,000 have documented mutational phenotypes. Thus the great majority of genes remain to be understood in terms of genetic function. I am addressing this problem using a combination of genetic mapping and high throughput mutation detection using rigorously defined phenotypic parameters for novel disease states. Under the auspices of Genome Canada, I recently concluded a population survey of monogenic disorders in Maritime Canada. This region is very productive in such disorders due to the occurrence of multiple founder effects based on ethnicity (Acadians, First Nations) and geography (Prince Edward Island). The project led to the discovery of 10 novel genes in which mutations cause a variety of different phenotypes of brain, skin, blood and other organ systems. Linkage-based genetic analysis requires a minimal family size to establish adequate statistical power for whole genome mapping. Whole genome or exome sequencing technologies have been adopted by geneticists to search for causes of rare diseases in groups of unrelated patients with a common clinical description. We have implemented this approach, and have recently identified several novel genes including one for a genetic form of osteoporosis. Uniting this technological advance with clinical ascertainments via the University of Montreal hospital system will allow us to identify the causes of many additional genetic disorders including disorders of the central endocrine system (pituitary).
My laboratory is also undertaking functional analyses of some of the more interesting genes identified through human genetic analysis, with potential for development of new therapeutic approaches to important medical conditions. The gene UBIAD1, mutated in a rare corneal dystrophy, is involved in intracellular cholesterol transport, and may be a component of vitamin K biosynthetic pathways. Studies of UBIAD1 may provide a novel approach to modulating systemic lipid levels, leading to reduced risk of heart disease.