Synopsis:

The advancements in biotechnology especially as related to DNA have made gene identification of human genetic disorders more feasible. The main goals of these methods are to develop tools for early diagnosis, prognosis, new drug and treatment development and family counseling. In this type of research, the first step is to determine whether a disorder is inherited from parents to their children. The major methods of gene identification are linkage analysis meaning tracking the transmission of a marker with a disorder from one generation to the next. The second method is association analysis by comparing the frequency of a marker in a group of patients to healthy individuals. The third method is the development of an animal model for a disorder and the identification of the gene in the model organism; then, identifying the same gene in human. After the identification of a linked marker(s) to a disorder, it is necessary to look for genes in the genomic region where the maker is located. The next step is sequencing of the candidate genes and looking for mutations. Any gene that harbors a mutation(s) will be the gene for the disorder of interest. Today, with the advancements in nanotechnology we can screen hundreds of mutations for many disorders at the same time.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Parsian received his doctoral degree in Human Genetics from Michigan State University with emphasis on Pediatric Neurology and Mental retardation disorders. To advance his research training in gene identification of complex human genetic disorders, he did two years of post-doctoral work at Washington University School of Medicine where he was offered faculty position in the departments of Psychiatry and Neurology. During his tenure at WashU School of Medicine, Dr. Parsian established and directed DNA Core facility as part of NIMH/NIH Center grant funds. At the same time he became the director of Human DNA Polymorphism laboratory. In addition, he started several large, national and international gene identification projects including Parkinson’s disease, Birth defects due to consanguinity and animal models of complex genetic disorders. Also, he developed several methodological and analytical strategies to identify human genetic variations and disorder genes. Then, he moved to University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences as professor of Human Genetics and Pediatrics where he directed the Human Genomics Center and Laboratory of Neurogenetics. On January 2009, Dr. Parsian accepted a position of investigator and Project Scientist at NIAAA/NIH. Dr. Parsian have received many NIH grants and awards for his research accomplishments.