Genome Instability: A Common Link in Gulf War Illness Patients

Abstract

This project is based on the premise of developing a new method to identify and establish the presence of phenotypic diversity/genetic heterogeneity in Gulf War Illness patients. In our previous research, we successfully established a link between genomic instability (displayed as elevated frequencies of non clonal chromosome aberrations or NCCAs) and cancer progression. In this DOD supported grant during the current study period, we have analyzed GWI patient samples using multiple-color spectral karyotype profiling or SKY and expression profiles. Elevated NCCAs have been observed in all GWI patient samples tested so far representing a highly statistically significant finding. We have tested 15 GWI patients and 35 controls to date. We believe that our methodology represents a means to identify a clinical biomarker based on phenotypic diversity/heterogeneity in GWI patients. We are developing a theory that links stress to the increased genome instability observed. This new concept and findings will support future translational projects that will result in vastly improving diagnosis and assessment of GWI patients.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2013
Accession Number
ADA612694

Entities

People

  • Henry Heng
  • Saroj Chowdhury

Organizations

  • Wayne State University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biological Markers
  • Biomedical Research
  • Blood Cells
  • Cancer
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chromosome Aberrations
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Dynamics
  • Frequency
  • Gene Expression
  • Genomic Instability
  • Heterogeneity
  • Instability
  • Persian Gulf Syndrome
  • Statistical Analysis

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Gulf War Illness and Chronic Multisymptom Illness in Veterans.
  • Molecular and genetic basis of cancer.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology