The collaboration between the FNIH, NIH, and Pfizer will analyze 8,000 samples.
The Genetic Association Information Network (GAIN) will use Affymetrix’ Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 for a series of studies on common, complex diseases such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Launched in February 2006, GAIN is a research partnership between the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), the NIH, and Pfizer Global Research and Development.
Affymetrix says that the SNP Array 6.0 includes common genetic variations that extend beyond the International HapMap Project. It is a single microarray that simultaneously measures more than 1.8 million markers for genetic variation, almost three times the content of currently available competing products, according to the company.
GAIN researchers will use the technology to analyze 8,000 samples with a diverse range of ethnic origins. The results will be made available to researchers around the world as part of the database of Genotype and Phenotype (dbGaP). The dbGaP was developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information for the purpose of archiving and distributing the results of genetic studies.
