Crick teams up with Broken String to research insidious neurodegenerative disease
In partnership with leading researchers at the Crick, the project aims to develop novel applications for Broken String’s proprietary DNA break-mapping platform, INDUCE-seq™, beyond its established capabilities in gene-editing.
The research will be focused on leveraging the technology to investigate the impact of genomic instability in the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
ALS is a progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative disease, causing gradual loss of the ability to control voluntary movements and basic bodily functions.
The collaboration is focused on understanding the contribution of genome stability to ALS, combining the interests of Professor Simon Boulton and Dr Nishita Parnandi at the Crick focused on genome stability and DNA double-strand break (DSB), with Professor Rickie Patani and Dr Giulia Tyzack, interested in understanding the underlying mechanism of ALS disease mechanism.
Recognising the utility of the novel INDUCE-seq platform developed by Broken String’s R & D team, led by Professor Simon Reed, the Crick and Broken String teams aim to collaborate to demonstrate and further validate the INDUCE-seq technology in this setting.
The majority of ALS cases (~90 per cent) are considered sporadic. Whilst there has been progress to better understand the genes and biological markers associated with the disease, very little is understood about the causes, with current treatment strategies focused on symptom management and slowing disease progression.
Combining world-leading research from the Crick with Broken String’s expertise in genomics, sequencing, and bioinformatics, the partnership provides a unique opportunity to expand application of INDUCE-seq in a key area of clinical unmet need, to support improved diagnosis and treatment of ALS.
The partnership has been secured via the Francis Crick Institute’s Business Engagement Fund, a new initiative supported by The Medical Research Council (MRC-UKRI), designed to encourage collaborations with SMEs and strengthen the Crick’s engagement with industry.
Dr Simon Boulton, Principal Group Leader, the Boulton Lab (DSB Repair Metabolism) at the Francis Crick Institute, said: “Our research is focused on exploring how cells repair damage to their DNA and how failures in this process lead to disease.
“Following exploratory work with Professor Reed, we were keen to collaborate with Broken String. We are excited to leverage the INDUCE-seq platform’s unique capabilities in directly measuring and quantifying DNA double-strand breaks, and applying this to deepen our understanding of diseases that have genomic instability as a contributing factor, such as ALS.”
Felix Dobbs, CEO, Broken String Biosciences, added: “This collaboration with the Crick Institute is validation of our differentiated approach to DNA break-mapping; enabling our team to support world-leading research with insights provided through our INDUCE-seq platform.
“It demonstrates a fantastic opportunity to apply our expertise across other key research areas to support the advancement of human health. There is an unmet clinical need for effective ALS treatments as well as strategies for earlier diagnosis that can significantly improve patient outcomes.”