The project will explore the genetic basis of longevity and create a genetic, genealogic and medical database of the Parsi-Zoroastrian population. The Avestagenome Project takes a systems biology approach which encompasses not only genotyping but also expression profiling and transcriptomics. The project is expected to be completed before 2013.
All of the genetic information for the Avestagenome Project is being collected following informed consent. Data confidentiality is being maintained as in accordance with the Indian Council of Medical Research guidelines. Spinco Biotech will supply the Affymetrix microarray technology and provide technical support to Avesthagen.
The use of Affymetrix technology will enable researchers to correlate genes with longevity, as well as neurodegenerative conditions, breast cancer, diabetes and other complex diseases that affect the Parsi community. The Parsi community was selected because of its longevity and its relatively genetically homogeneous population. The Avestagenome Project was designed to lead to discovery of novel biomarkers and drug targets that can result in predictive, preventive and personalized healthcare.
Kevin King, president of Affymetrix, said: “Affymetrix looks forward to a long-term relationship with the Avesthagen team as it develops the Parsi database and then looks to create more effective diagnostics and personalized treatments for patients.”