Broken String Biosciences and the Francis Crick Institute Collaborate to Advance ALS Research
May 07 2024 - 6:06AM
Business Wire
Partnership to expand applications of DNA
break-mapping technology and advance understanding of genomic
instability in development of the neurodegenerative disease
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Broken String Biosciences (“Broken String”), a genomics company
driving development of the next generation of more precise, safe,
and effective cell and gene therapies, today announced it has
entered a research collaboration with the Francis Crick Institute,
a world-leading biomedical discovery institute dedicated to
understanding the biology underlying health and 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 Prof Simon
Boulton and Dr Nishita Parnandi at the Crick focused on genome
stability and DNA double-strand break (DSB), with Prof Rickie
Patani and Dr Giulia Tyzack, interested in understanding the
underlying mechanism of ALS disease mechanism. Recognizing 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%) are considered sporadic1.
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
the Company’s INDUCE-seq technology 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), that is designed to
encourage collaborations with small-to-medium sized enterprises
(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 PhD, CEO, Broken String Biosciences,
commented: “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.” He
added: “There is an unmet clinical need for effective ALS
treatments, as well as strategies for earlier diagnosis that can
significantly improve patient outcomes. We look forward to working
closely with Dr Boulton and Professor Patani’s groups to support
this critical research area and continue building out our
application focuses.”
1.
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als#:~:text=Changes%20in%20more%20than%20a,nerve%20cells%20in%20the%20brain.
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