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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Solidarity and equity: new ethical frameworks for genetic databases.

Genetic database initiatives have given rise to considerable debate about their potential harms and benefits. The question arises as to whether existing ethical frameworks are sufficient to mediate between the competing interests at stake. One approach is to strengthen mechanisms for obtaining informed consent and for protecting confidentiality. However, there is increasing interest in other ethical frameworks, involving solidarity--participation in research for the common good--and the sharing of the benefits of research.

Confidentiality↗

HYPERGENE: a clinical and genetic database for genetic analysis of human hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Genetic studies of essential human hypertension require the recording and management of numerous data concerning multiple hypertensive families. The present paper describes a new family database, HYPERGENE, and demonstrates its potential usefulness in such a complex disease. METHODS: The database was implemented on an Apple Macintosh computer using the 4TH DIMENSION software program. Through a user-friendly interface, it offers a high-quality data record, easy data retrieval and compatibility with other software. PATIENTS: HYPERGENE contains a prospective collection of 187 families with at least two hypertensive sibs (826 subjects). Each subject was analysed according to the same protocol. To allow definition of clinical and biological phenotypes and genetic analysis, clinical and biological data were recorded and, at the same time, plasma, urine and DNA libraries were stored. RESULTS: Probands were 50.6 years old with an early onset (39.1 years of age) of hypertension (157.7/97.8 mmHg); 125 had moderate-to-severe hypertension. According to our selection criteria, only one out of 187 sibships had familial dislipidaemic hypertension. Of the living fathers, 45% were examined, and 54% of the living mothers: 48.6% had an onset of hypertension before age 50 years. Children (mean age 28.7 years) of hypertensive sibs presented a high percentage of hypertension (8.3%). CONCLUSION: The HYPERGENE database facilitates data storage and analysis on familial hypertension, and should prove a useful tool for assessing molecular biology results in the field of hypertension and for allowing collaborative research.

Adolescent↗

Short report: HYPERGENE: a clinical and genetic database for genetic analysis of human hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Genetic studies of essential human hypertension require the recording and management of numerous data concerning multiple hypertensive families. The present report describes a new family database, HYPERGENE, and demonstrates its potential usefulness in such a complex disease. METHODS: The database was implemented on an Apple Macintosh computer using the 4TH DIMENSION software program. Through a user-friendly interface, it offers a high-quality data record, easy data retrieval and compatibility with other software. PATIENTS: HYPERGENE contains a prospective collection of 187 families with at least two hypertensive sibs (826 subjects). Each subject was analysed according to the same protocol. To allow definition of clinical and biological phenotypes and genetic analysis, clinical and biological data were recorded and, at the same time, plasma, urine and DNA libraries were stored. RESULTS: Probands were 50.6 years old with an early onset (39.1 years of age) of hypertension (157.7/97.8 mmHg); 125 had moderate-to-severe hypertension. According to our selection criteria, only one out of 187 sibships had familial dislipidaemic hypertension. Of the living fathers, 45% were examined, and 54% of the living mothers: 48.6% had an onset of hypertension before age 50 years. Children (mean age 28.7 years) of hypertensive sibs presented a high percentage of hypertension (8.3%). CONCLUSION: The HYPERGENE database facilitates data storage and analysis on familial hypertension, and should prove a useful tool for assessing molecular biology results in the field of hypertension and for allowing collaborative research.

Adult↗

Graphical interface to the genetic network database GeNet.

UNLABELLED: We designed a Java applet which enables the visualization of genetic networks and can be used as a Web publishing tool by molecular biologists studying the mechanisms of gene interactions. AVAILABILITY: http://www. csa.ru/Inst/gorb_dep/inbios/ genet/Graph/Genes_Graph.html CONTACT: samson@fn.csa.ru

Computational Biology↗

African Jordanian population genetic database on fifteen short tandem repeat genetic loci.

AIM: To establish a genetic database of the African-Jordanian population for forensic and paternity testing purposes. METHOD: Allelic distribution at fifteen short tandem repeat (STR) loci was determined for 95 healthy unrelated African-Jordanians. The 15 autosomal STR loci, included within the GenePrint PowerPlex 16 system, were amplified from the subset of the 95 DNA extracts isolated from the population sample. Electrophoresis for each polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product was carried out using the ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer and the length of the amplified DNA fragments was determined using the Genotype 2.0 and PowerTyper 16 Macro softwares. Calculations of allelic frequencies, forensic efficiency parameters, Hardy-Weinberg departure, and quantitative analysis of the allele frequencies in various populations were determined. RESULTS: DNA extracts were successfully amplified and the genetic database was compiled. All tested loci showed no significant statistical deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed between the sample population under investigation and other population genetic databases. CONCLUSION: The loci investigated here proved to be sufficiently polymorphic for forensic purposes, since the forensic efficiency values suggest that they are very discriminating in the African-Jordanian subpopulation.

Africa↗

Strategies for consulting with the community: the cases of four large-scale genetic databases.

Large-scale genetic databases are being developed in several countries around the world. However, these databases depend on public participation and acquiescence. In the past, information campaigns have been waged and little attention has been paid to dialogue. Nowadays, it is important to include the public in the development of scientific research and to encourage a free, open and useful dialogue among those involved. This paper is a review of community consultation strategies as part of four proposed large-scale genetic databases in Iceland, Estonia, United Kingdom and Quebec. The Iceland Health Sector Database and Estonian Genome Project have followed a "communication approach" in order to address public concerns, whereas, UK Biobank and Quebec CARTaGENE have chosen a "partnership approach" to involve the public in decision-making processes. Following a comparison of community consultation strategies, the main concerns of the public are examined as well as the challenges of involving communities. Importantly, reported across all groups is the concern for confidentiality, respect of the individual, transparency, and the donor's right to access to their own result. However, even if researchers demonstrate a willingness to respect values such as fair representation, transparency and accountability, there is still a risk that the public will mistrust researchers and simply will not participate in sufficient numbers. Complications may arise when individual and community interests conflicts. The implementation of a partnership approach is definitely involving and costly; however, if used properly, this method can improve both participation and so database development.

Community Participation↗

The "GeneTrustee": a universal identification system that ensures privacy and confidentiality for human genetic databases.

This article describes a generic model for access to samples and information in human genetic databases. The model utilises a "GeneTrustee", a third-party intermediary independent of the subjects and of the investigators or database custodians. The GeneTrustee model has been implemented successfully in various community genetics screening programs and has facilitated research access to genetic databases while protecting the privacy and confidentiality of research subjects. The GeneTrustee model could also be applied to various types of non-conventional genetic databases, including neonatal screening Guthrie card collections, and to forensic DNA samples.

Confidentiality↗

Genebanks: a comparison of eight proposed international genetic databases.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and compare population-based genetic databases, or "genebanks", that have been proposed in eight international locations between 1998 and 2002. A genebank can be defined as a stored collection of genetic samples in the form of blood or tissue, that can be linked with medical and genealogical or lifestyle information from a specific population, gathered using a process of generalized consent. METHODS: Genebanks were identified by searching Medline and internet search engines with key words such as "genetic database" and "biobank" and by reviewing literature on previously identified databases such as the deCode project. Collection of genebank characteristics was by an electronic and literature search, augmented by correspondence with informed individuals. The proposed genebanks are located in Iceland, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Latvia, Sweden, Singapore, the Kingdom of Tonga, and Quebec, Canada. Comparisons of the genebanks were based on the following criteria: genebank location and description of purpose, role of government, commercial involvement, consent and confidentiality procedures, opposition to the genebank, and current progress. RESULTS: All of the groups proposing the genebanks plan to search for susceptibility genes for complex diseases while attempting to improve public health and medical care in the region and, in some cases, stimulating the local economy through expansion of the biotechnology sector. While all of the identified plans share these purposes, they differ in many aspects, including funding, subject participation, and organization. The balance of government and commercial involvement in the development of each project varies. Genetic samples and health information will be collected from participants and coded in all of the genebanks, but consent procedures range from presumed consent of the entire eligible population to recruitment of volunteers with informed consent. Issues regarding confidentiality and consent have resulted in opposition to some of the more publicized projects. None of the proposed databases are currently operational and at least one project was terminated due to opposition. CONCLUSIONS: Ambitious genebank projects have been proposed in numerous countries and provinces. The characteristics of the projects vary, but all intend to map genes for common diseases and hope to improve the health of the populations involved. The impact of these projects on understanding genetic susceptibility to disease will be increasingly apparent if the projects become operational. The ethical, legal, and social implications of the projects should be carefully considered during their development.

Canada↗

Genetic databases and consent for use of medical records.

The legislation on the Icelandic genetic database provides for an opting-out system for the collection of encoded medical information from individual medical records. From the beginning this has raised criticism, in Iceland itself and abroad. The Supreme Court has now decided that this approach of presumed consent is not unconstitutional per se, but that there are not sufficient safeguards to ensure that the information collected is not traceable to individuals. The decision of the court is of importance for the debate (at national and international level) on the legal and ethical aspects of population-based genetic databases. Furthermore, it is interesting because it recognizes the right of close relatives of a deceased person to oppose the collection and use of his or her medical data for genetic research, at least as long as these data may still be identifiable.

Databases, Genetic↗

Monitoring ethical, legal, and social issues in developing population genetic databases.

PURPOSE: To characterize ethical, legal, and social issues unique to population genetic database research and to determine the relevance of international recommendations and guidelines for addressing these issues in the development of "genebank" projects globally. METHODS: Building on our previous description of eight international genebanks, we conducted a comprehensive electronic search and literature review of relevant publications and consulted national and international documents applicable to genebank research. RESULTS: We identified and characterized five categories of ethical, legal, and social issues unique to genebank development: sponsorship and benefit-sharing, neutrality and regulatory power of ethics committees, public engagement, consent, and data protection. We illustrate these issues with examples from specific genebanks. Not all of the issues are addressed in current international guidelines, many of which are nonspecific and unenforceable. CONCLUSION: The trend of genebank development promises to provide new discoveries to the field of medical science and to greatly improve public health. However, there is a growing need for more explicit, enforceable, and coordinated international guidelines relevant to the development and implementation of genebanks. By comparing ethical, legal and social issues as they arise in genebanks, researchers can better evaluate how to best use these projects to improve public health while protecting participating populations.

Access to Information↗

Integrated genetic databases in the study of neuropsychiatric diseases: inborn errors of cerebral metabolic pathways?

1. Genetic databases are an expanding and readily accessible repository of information on the mapping and sequencing of the human genome, and that of other model organisms. The integration and application of this information to neuropsychiatric disease is illustrated using neuroendocrine and neuropharmacologic data, computerized and other genetic databases. 2. This computer-assisted integrated approach to knowledge structures permits the rapid generation of hypotheses, the prompt identification of candidate gene loci, an explanation for genetic heterogeneity, and strategies for the use of potential linked markers. 3. Results using this integrated search strategy demonstrate that over 30 candidate loci for neuropsychiatric disease have currently been mapped in man (spread over 14 chromosomes in the human genome), and that at least 6 homologous loci have been mapped in mouse. 4. Using a metabolic pathway approach, it can be shown that the best current candidate gene locus for a subtype of schizophrenia located on chromosome 5q11-13 (HGML10 # SCZD1 and OMIM #181510) is in the serotonergic pathway, i.e. a receptor for 5-hydroxytryptamine (subtype 1A; HGML10 #HTR1A) which also maps in the same chromosomal region. 5. Parallels are suggested between inborn errors of metabolic pathways in the somatic endocrine system (using insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus as a paradigm) and the neurotransmitter and hormonal systems within the brain. 6. A subset of neuropsychiatric disorders may thus be viewed as inborn errors of cerebral metabolic pathways primarily affecting the biogenic amine pathways.

Animals↗

Evaluating DNA tests of motherless cases using a Philippine genetic database.

BACKGROUND: In 5 percent of paternity determination cases, only DNA samples from the alleged father and child pairs are tested. The absence of the mother's DNA increases the probability of false paternity inclusions, which affects laboratories that use a limited number of DNA markers. The effect of coincidental matches between unrelated individuals on DNA tests of motherless cases was determined using the Philippine population genetic database of the National Capital Region (NCR). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Seven short tandem repeat (STR) markers were used, namely HUMvWA, HUMTH01, HUMCSF1PO, HUMFOLP23, D8S306, HUMFES/FPS, and HUMF13A01. Values of the probability of paternity with (W) and without a mother (W(-mother)) were determined using the equation W = cumulative likelihood ratio/cumulative likelihood ratio + 1). These values were determined for 50 volunteer families and compared with values calculated from randomly matched pairs in a reference NCR population database. RESULTS: The W and W(-mother) values of the 50 families range from 96.48 to 99.99 percent and 79.76 to 99.99 percent, respectively. In the NCR database, 195 coincidental matches in seven STR loci out of 5253 possible pairs (3.71%) were detected with W(-mother) values ranging from 12.47 to 99.83 percent. Of these, 53 and 10 random pairs have W(-mother) greater than 95.0 and 99.0 percent, respectively. CONCLUSION: W was higher than W(-mother) in the 50 families. However, the existence of unrelated individuals in the NCR database that randomly matched at seven STR loci and that has W(-mother) values greater than 99.0 percent highlights the need for greater precaution when dealing with motherless cases.

Databases, Genetic↗