Lymphovenous Canada: Genetic research into lymphatic disorders

• The Genetic Alliance The Genetic Alliance is an international coalition representing 300 consumer and health organizations which works to protect the genetic rights of the public while encouraging genetic research which benefits individuals with genetic conditions and their families.
• Human trials anticipated to test genetic stimulation of the growth of lymphatic vessels:
  At the Sept. 2001 International Congress of Lymphology, Professor Kari Alitalo of the University of Helsinki (Finland) announced that he anticipated conducting human trials in conjunction with Professor Stanley Rockson of the Stanford University Medical Centre, California to determine whether gene therapy could stimulate the growth of lymphatic vessels. As of January 2004 these trials have still not been established.
  Professor Alitalo, who works at the Haartman Institute and Institute of Biomedicine in Helsinki, Finland has been investigating the genetic mechanisms VEGF-C and VEGF-D and their role in stimulating the growth of lymphatic vessels in tumors for some time. (see Reuters Health release, Jan. 31, 2001) For more information on Professor Alitalo's work in this area, he can be contacted at: Kari.Alitalo@Helsinki.FI or through his web site at: http://www.hi.helsinki.fi/hi/res/alitalo/alitalo.html
• Hereditary lymphedema genetic mutations found. University of Michigan scientists have identified genetic mutations that cause a serious medical condition called hereditary lymphedema-distichiasis or LD. Discovering the gene is the first step toward a future diagnostic test for LD and increased scientific understanding of the gene's impact on early development of the heart and lymphatic system.
• The June 2000 issue of Nature Genetics magazine reports on the University of Pittsburgh's discovery of the genetic cause of inherited lymphedema. (The U. of Pittsburgh program can be contacted through: http://www.pitt.edu/~genetics/lymph/lymph.htm)
• Researchers in 5 countries identify and map the genes of the human filarial parasite Brugia malayi through a World Health Organization initiative. Over 6000 different genes have been discovered.
• The Genetics of Rare Diseases, Window to Common Disorders Conference, March 2003, Washington, D.C.: 50 years after the discovery of the double helix as scientists complete the sequencing the human genome and 20 years after the enactment of the U.S.'s Orphan Drug Act
• Researchers at St. Jude's Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, discover Prox1, a gene responsible for the development of the lymphatic system.
• Klippel-Trenaunay Research: Blood samples from K-T patients and their families are needed to support Dr. Qing Wang's research. Dr. Wang, Cleveland Clinic researcher is working in conjunction with Dr. David Discoll, Dept. of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, to investigate the possible chromosomal basis for Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. Contact Azita Sadeghpour, Ph.D. at (216) 445-0571 or e-mail her at: isadegha@ccf.org for details.