To jump straight to information about our genotyping service, available to researchers across London, click here.

Laboratory research at London IDEAS (managed by the Genetic Applications Unit) aims to:

1. Develop and apply automated mutation detection methods and assays for several monogenic disorders of high relevance to the NHS, with emphasis on familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) as two paradigm projects.
2. Improve access for consumers and the NHS to genetic understanding and implementation regarding FH and HCM.
3. Develop and apply methods for high throughput genotyping to identify novel disease-causing genes in common diseases, including asthma, deafness, epilepsy, juvenile arthritis, coronary heart disease, hypertension, blindness and dementia.
4. Exploit intellectual property through interaction with commercial organisations.

Links for further information:

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH)
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Genotyping service

Our other research projects focus on the impact of genetic knowledge on behaviour (in smokers trying to quit), and the referral patterns and equity of access to NHS cancer genetics services.

Smoking cessation
Breast cancer

Colorectal cancer

In addition we have carried out two surveys of the insurance industry in the UK and its practice in managing applicants with an inherited condition (FH) or a family history (breast cancer):

Neil HAW et al. 2004. Effect of statin treatment for familial hypercholesterolaemia on life assurance: results of consecutive surveys in 1990 and 2002 . BMJ 328:500-1.

Hunter A, Humphries SE 2005. Effect of a family history of breast cancer on cost of life insurance: a test-case comparison of current UK industry practice. BSHG poster (will be posted here after the BSHG conference in September 2005).