DNA microchip helps find the good genes

TOP SA scientists are set to boost their search for genes that protect against diseases like cancer through the use of a DNA microchip.

For five years, Professor Iqbal Parker and his team at UCT's medical biochemistry department have been searching through genes one at a time to identify variations that protect people against toxins linked to disease.

Now, in collaboration with the Sanger Institute in Britain, the team has access to a DNA microchip, which can analyse some 5000 genes at the same time and quickly identify the differences between them.

Parker said it would speed up research into which gene combinations efficiently cleanse the body of harmful poisons such as those found in cigarette smoke, and help explain why one smoker lives to 90 while another dies of lung cancer. - Claire Keeton