SMS - Study of Somatic Mutations using Genome Sequencing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
SMS - Study of Somatic Mutations using Genome Sequencing
IRAS ID
182435
Contact name
Philip Jones
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Disease and tissue aging are thought to be influenced by genetic changes, or mutations, acquired throughout life. These mutations provide clues regarding the genetic damage that occurred through the lifetime of the patient, and include mutations caused by environmental factors such as ultraviolet light from sunlight or tobacco smoke affecting the skin or internal tissues, respectively. Other mutations may occur due to errors in copying the genome as cells divide. Improvements in technologies that read the genetic code have made it possible for all or selected parts of the genetic code of a human being to be "sequenced", allowing mutations (changes in the genetic code) to be detected.
In our research, we will use samples of blood, skin biopsies, plucked hairs, urine, surplus tissue removed during future planned surgery, and archived samples removed in the past. We will find the order of DNA bases in the genetic code (sequencing) in the samples to help us understand how the number and type of cells with changes in their DNA is different in tissues depending on a person's age, their exposure to environmental agents, or other factors such as disease history or treatments such as radiotherapy.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EE/0218
Date of REC Opinion
14 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion