A team of researchers from Vitalité Health Network envisions a healthcare system where individuals can be screened early for hereditary disorders, allowing mothers to understand the potential health issues they may pass on to their offspring prior to conception. To achieve this vision, it is crucial for medical professionals to identify the common genetic variations prevalent in specific regions of New Brunswick.
Jean Mamelona, head of the medical genetics program in the province, emphasized the importance of analyzing genes to detect any abnormalities or mutations that could lead to genetic disorders. Mamelona and his research team at Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital are currently conducting a comprehensive genetic mapping project across the seven health zones in New Brunswick to create a unique database for each zone.
While genes offer valuable insights into the body, the primary focus of this research is to identify defects or mutations that can result in genetic disorders such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and Huntington’s disease. By obtaining this information, medical teams can implement early screening measures for various conditions and enhance neonatal screening accuracy.
The ongoing project, initiated in 2018 and partially funded by Research N.B., aims to test 60 individuals in each health zone by the end of 2027. Initial results from regions like the Acadian Peninsula reveal common genetic variants among participants, indicating potential hereditary patterns within the population. The genetic similarities observed among Acadians are attributed to historical factors such as limited gene pools due to ancestral migrations and population bottlenecks.
The researchers have not disclosed specific disease associations with the identified genetic variants to protect participant privacy. Denis Savard, an expert in Acadian genealogy, explained that the genetic homogeneity among Acadians is a result of historical events that led to the replication of a limited set of genes within the population over generations.
Moving forward, the research team aims to expand their study to include individuals from diverse backgrounds in areas like Miramichi, Saint John, and Fredericton. Prospective participants must meet certain criteria, including being at least 19 years old, covered by medicare, not expecting a child, and having two grandparents born in the specific area under investigation.
The genetic research project in New Brunswick holds promise for advancing precision medicine and enhancing the understanding of hereditary conditions within the population, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes through early detection and personalized treatment approaches.