The company hopes to develop saliva-based RNA assays for concussion, Parkinson's disease and autism using biomarkers discovered by its two academic partners.
Using large-scale GWAS data, researchers saw shared genetic contributors for ALS and frontotemporal dementia, as well as ALS and progressive supranuclear palsy.
The group will work with hospitals to recruit patients with a genetic history of Parkinson's to test for mutations in LRRK2 and GBA, as well as offer genetic counseling.
Two studies appearing in JAMA Neurology respectively examined how variants linked to Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease contribute to the conditions.
New research suggests that some risky and protective variants in the LRRK2 gene have shared genetic effects in Crohn's disease and Parkinson's disease.
The partners will integrate genomic, imaging, and other data to identify new therapies and personalize treatments for patients with neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
The partners will use Hummingbird's miRNA database and expertise in sample preparation as well as BGI's BGISEQ sequencer and analysis pipeline to develop targeted miRNA IVD assays.
