Psoriasis

Genizon BioSciences has completed a genome-wide association study in its psoriasis program using 500 trios from the Quebec Founder Population (QFP). Genotyping was performed in collaboration with Perlegen Sciences using the Quebec LD Map (QLDM) which is based upon the genetic structure of the QFP. The QLDM consists of approximately 81,000 SNP markers whose density varies as the LD, or genetic sharing, varies across the genome in the QFP. Genizon's study resulted in the identification of more than 16 loci with haplotypes (combinations of SNPs) that significantly increase the risk of developing psoriasis.

Several novel disease gene signals were identified and two known loci associated with psoriasis were confirmed: PSORS1,a disease locus in the HLA region on chromosome 6 that has repeatedly been observed in other studies, and PSORS9, a locus on chromosome 4 that has previously been reported several times.