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Summer, 2011

PCGP Update

In the last year, the PCGP has begun some exciting new research projects focused on familial and early onset (diagnosed before age 56) prostate cancer. One project is following up on our earlier finding that genes on chromosome 17 (at 17q24) are important in the development of prostate cancer in the PCGP families. Although our research had previously identified this region, it has been difficult to locate the exact gene or genes that are responsible. To help us locate these genes, we have turned to one of the newest methods in genetic research: next generation DNA sequencing. This technique allows researchers to examine large sections of DNA much faster than traditional DNA sequencing. In fact one single next-generation sequencer can generate over 3 billion base pairs in about two weeks. This would take a traditional sequencing machine over 8 years! PCGP researchers, in collaboration with researchers from the Translational Genomic Research Institute in Phoenix, AZ, are currently using next-generation sequencing to study over 200 genes on chromosome 17. We hope to find some rare prostate-cancer associated genetic variants through this effort.

Contact Us

Prostate Cancer Genetics Project
1500 E. Medical Center Drive
7436 Cancer Center
Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Phone: 800-723-9170
Fax: 734-647-4338
Email: pcgp-project@med.umich.edu

Resources to Print

Prostate Cancer Genetics Project brochure

Family History Form

Summer, 2011 Newsletter