NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation said today that it has launched a DNA Data Bank that will serve as a resource for researchers studying Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Created with funding from The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, the DNA data bank contains DNA samples and detailed phenotype data covering a large number of patients with these diseases, often referred to as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
"Enhancing research into genetic markers and determinants that affect risk for these diseases … is a priority for researchers seeking to understand the underlying disease process in order to improve disease treatment and prevention," CCFA said.
The databank will be available to qualified investigators in the scientific community for studies of genetic markers related to IBD. Researchers may view available phenotype data elements, obtain summaries of the numbers of affected patients, and family or population controls, and submit research proposals to the Data Bank.
Marjorie Merrick, VP of research for CCFA, said in a statement that "genetic research has the potential to advance our understanding of the etiologies and natural histories of the various forms of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The launch of the DNA Data Bank symbolizes that we are within reach of our long term goal of improving treatment and minimizing the overall impact of Crohn's and colitis."