Cambridge Lipidomics Biomarker Research Initiative launched
Cambridge Lipidomics Biomarker Research Initiative (CLBRI) launched
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE
MRC/45/09
Issued: Friday 17 July 2009
The Cambridge Lipidomics Biomarker Research Initiative (CLBRI) was officially launched on 15 July 2009, at the MRC Collaborative Centre for Human Nutrition Research.
The CLBRI, a MRC-funded initiative and part of the Unit’s Bioanalytical Sciences Section, will be led by Dr Dietrich Volmer and has been set up to conduct lipidomics research (analysis and characterisation of lipids, and their roles within the body) focusing on the integration of biochemical, nutritional and clinical research.
The vision is to create an MRC-led, internationally distinctive laboratory that will have the capacity to discover and use biomarker techniques in the study of lipids and their roles in health and disease.
The centre will:
• bring together scientific and clinical expertise
• be at the forefront of advances in mass spectrometry - (enabling chemicals in a mixture to be identified by their mass and charge)
• create a bioinformatics facility
• develop a new lipidomics database to be used by other researchers and provide a hub for emerging technologies in the field of biomarker research.
• establish a centre of excellence for international scientists to collaborate in research on biomarker analysis.
Dr Dietrich Volmer, Head of Bioanalytical Sciences, who will lead the Cambridge Lipidomics Biomarker Research Initiative, said: “People do not only develop heart disease if they follow a poor diet, it can also be as a result of genetics. Our aim is to be able to relate biomarkers like lipids to genes, which will be essential for the understanding of diseases such as obesity and diabetes. In the long term, we will be able to monitor changes in the lipid profile of individuals and provide them with personalised guidance on how to improve their health.”
Although many research teams are investigating the role of lipids in disease, the CLBRI initiative is unique, as it will focus on the discovery of biomarkers and their applications, and also on ways to make them available to the healthcare community. With modern healthcare moving away from focusing on treatment and towards early intervention and prevention, so biomarkers will play a crucial role in keeping people out of hospital and also in improving the quality and potentially the duration of an individual’s life.
CLBRI will focus on the discovery, validation and application of new and robust biomarkers for both diagnostic and prognostic applications. Diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease are increasing, alongside other disorders linked to changes in the way the body metabolises fats. The ability to identify and measure these changes before a disease develops could enable health professionals to advise patients on diet and lifestyle changes that could reduce their health risks.
For further information and to arrange an interview with colleagues on this project, please contact Nicola Osmond-Evans in the MRC Press Office on 0207 670 5138 or press.office@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
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Press contact: 020 7637 6011
press.office@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
