June 8, 2007

Clinical Research Day focuses on challenges

With the theme "Transforming Clinical Research through Genetics and Genomics," the May 17 Clinical Research Day focused on two sets of challenges: the application of ever-more-complex genetic information to the understanding and treatment of common conditions like heart disease, and how investigators participating in large, multi-institutional research teams can contribute to the success of the larger project while pursuing their personal scientific and career goals.

In his keynote address, Aravinda Chakravarti, PhD, director of the Center for Complex Human Disease at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, described the difficulties inherent in proceeding from studies of disorders caused by single-gene alterations to those in which risk is mediated not only by several different genes but also by how those genes interact with and control the activity of even more genes. Chakravarti cited examples from investigations of sudden cardiac death.

Representatives of the groups receiving the hospitalwide team awards — Paul deBakker, MD, speaking on behalf of the Diabetes Genetics Initiative; Rakesh Jain, PhD, and Tracy Batchelor, MD, for the team applying Jain's basic tumor biology research to the treatment of a dangerous brain tumor — described how collaboration has been essential to their team accomplishments. A panel discussion of investigators at different stages of their careers described ways that young investigators could distinguish themselves in large teams by defining and maintaining their own areas of focus while contributing to the overall team goals.

More than 25 of the 225 posters displayed during the day's activities were honored with hospitalwide or departmental awards. The afternoon featured a seminar on how to navigate the extensive genetic databases and a session designed to give clinicians an introduction to the basic language and concepts of modern genetic research.