ANGI (Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative)

At the moment there is a study going on in Australia which is investigating Anorexia at a genetic level. While most studies conducted into Anorexi in the past have been based upon environmental factors, this is one of the first studies done which is based upon genetic factors. As soon as I read about it I was very interested as both my mum, dad's sister and various cousins have all suffered from anorexia and I believe that there is infact a genetic link to the illness. A few weeks ago I took the survey that determined whether I was an appropriate participant and I recieved an email last confirming that I was. They have asked me to take part in their study by providing a blood sample so that my DNA can be studied. 

I am just waiting for the blood collection kit to arrive in the mail and I will make an appointment with my doctor next wednesday to have the blood taken. I am so excited that I may be helping to find some answers to this terrible illness that so many people suffer from and that such little is known about. Anorexia has the highest death rate of any mental illness and I believe that this is because no one really knows how to effectively treat it as so little is actually known about it. If scientists were able to determine who was more susceptible to developing the illness, perhaps it could be more effectively prevented. Also, knowing what genes cause anorexia could tell scientists the best ways it could be treated.

I just wanted to let you all know this bit of news as I found it quite exciting and thought that you may all be interested. I have included an overview from the ANGI web page just incase you wanted to read a little more on the study.

About ANGI

• The Anorexia Nervosa Genetics Initiative (ANGI) is the world’s largest and most rigorous genetic investigation of anorexia nervosa to date.

• The international study aims to detect genetic variations that may play a role in the potentially life-threatening illness.

• ANGI’s ultimate goal is to transform current knowledge on the causes of eating disorders and to work towards a greater understanding, and ultimately a cure, for anorexia nervosa.

• Study centres are located in a combined Australia and New Zealand site, Denmark, Sweden and the United States.

• The QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, otherwise known as QIMR Berghofer, is the centre for the Australian arm of the research study.

Senior Scientist and Senior Principal Research Fellow at the University of Queensland and Head of Genetic Epidemiology group at QIMR Berghofer, Professor Nick Martin, is the lead Australian ANGI investigator.

• Internationally, the centres are aiming to recruit more than 13,000 women and men who:

• - Have experienced anorexia nervosa;

• - Currently have anorexia nervosa.

• Australia aims to recruit 2,200 blood donors by 2016 with the potential to expand study recruitment to 5,000 blood donors by 2017.

• 1,105 volunteers have been recruited to date (March 25, 2015).

Source: student.societyforscienc.org

• Researchers have long known of a genetic link to anorexia nervosa, with decades of studies indicating genes play a role in the risk of developing the illness.

• Identification of the actual genes that predispose individuals to anorexia nervosa could revolutionise future research into causes, treatment and prevention of the illness.

• ANGI researchers will analyse DNA samples to investigate and identify specific genes that may be associated with anorexia nervosa.

• This analysis process, known as a ‘genome-wide association scan’, involves comparing the genes of people who have experienced anorexia nervosa to the genes of those who have never had the eating illness.

• DNA samples will be extracted from blood donations.

• Researchers will compare the genetic variations in the DNA of those with and without anorexia nervosa, to identify the gene regions where the illness resides.

• DNA and blood samples will be bio-banked for immediate and future genetic analysis.

• Identifying genes associated with anorexia nervosa will not imply people with such genes will develop anorexia nervosa during their lifetime, but will rather, help experts to better identify those who may be more vulnerable to the illness, allowing healthcare professionals to manage their health accordingly.