Veterans Affairs Conducts Important Genomic Research

In honor of Veterans Day, we’d like to share some of the amazing genomics research being conducted by Veterans Affairs (VA). Most notably, as of August 2016, VA had the largest genomic biobank as part of their Million Veterans Program. Current and ongoing research by VA  includes the Million Veteran Program, the connection between genomics and mental health, and research around genomics and diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

The Million Veteran Program (MVP)

This is a voluntary program whose aim was to build the largest database of genetic, military exposure, health, and lifestyle information. Coded Department of Veterans Affairs samples and health information provide an unprecedented amount resources for researchers, including DNA samples and health questionnaires.

The goal of the program is to enroll one million veterans. In August 2016, the program had reached their halfway point at 500,000 enrolled veterans.

Genomics and Mental Health

VA has been conducting research on the connection between genomics and schizophrenia, depression, traumatic brain injuries, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Researchers identified significant differences in genes in patients with schizophrenia. Many of the genes linked to schizophrenia are also linked to the immune system, indicating there is a possible link between the immune system and schizophrenia.

Studies of traumatic brain injuries and PTSD hope to conclude with the development of a simple blood test to check for these two issues in veterans. In 2015, studies showed that veterans who had traumatic brain injuries and PTSD had significantly lower levels than normal of four specific RNA molecules: ACA48, U35, U55 and U83A.

Alzheimer’s Disease

In 2014, VA’s Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center in Nashville, in conjunction with Duke and Vanderbilt universities, found that differences in a gene responsible for blood pressure may also be responsible for shrinking the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and cognitive decline.

The following year, researchers at the VA San Diego Healthcare System and the University of California found that dying brain cells were reactivated by injecting nerve growth factor directly into the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Parkinson’s Disease

In 2015, researchers at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that gene therapy used in rats to prevent the production of a brain protein could successfully prevent the development of Parkinson’s disease.

VA are hoping this research will lead to the development of drug therapies that target the mechanism responsible for Parkinson’s Disease and are hoping to translate their research to human clinical trials soon.

Cancer

In 2016, researchers at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System and Stanford University School of Medicine found that two RNA molecules (SNORD50A and SNORD50B) could inhibit K-Ras, a protein associated with cancer. This is the first time an RNA molecule of this variety has been shown to act as a powerful tumor suppressor.

VA is studying genomics all across the country and making major headway on a number of life-threatening diseases. This November 11, Lifecycle Biotechnologies pays tribute to our veterans and thanks them for their valuable service and contributions.