Cancer detection focus of study.

• Author: Louiseize, Kelly
• Position: Special Report: Biotechnology/Health Industry - Genesis Genomics studying over 300 prostate cancer patients

Scientists at Genesis Genomics are studying over 300 prostate cancer patients for the purpose of targeting non-nuclear DNA for early detection of cancer.

Presently researchers "are in the process of working on the DNA results of 40 (patients)," says Dr. Ryan Parr, vice-president of research and development at the Genesis Genomics research facility in Thunder Bay.

Through blood work, scientists will also obtain information on another form of DNA called the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA).

"We are looking for broader applications for mitochondrial DNA," he adds.

Parr says there are two types of DNA in a cell: the nuclear DNA and the mitochondrial (mtDNA). The nuclear DNA holds information equivalent to 50 sets of encyclopedias.

"You inherit this from your mom and dad," with 25 sets coming from each parent, he explains.

However, there is a particular DNA inherited exclusively from the mother. That is the mitochondrial DNA.

"It lives in the mitochondria just outside nuclear cells called cytoplasm," Parr explains. "The mitochondria are the power cells of the cell. They take whatever food you eat and turn it into energy."

"(mtDNA) is small, but important because it works with information from the nucleus (nuclear DNA)."

In fact, out of the storage information warehouse from the nuclear DNA, 10 per cent is used strictly for mtDNA. Through generations of females, the mtDNA chemistry or the spelling remains the same, however, when a person develops a condition like cancer, the...