• Core Analytical Laboratory
• Pharmacometrics
• Pharmacogenomics

      Pharmacogenomics Initiatives       WNY Pharmacogenomics Program       Pharmacogenomics Update

The PRC has developed clinical and translational pharmacogenomics applications as this rapidly evolving field is a key component of pharmacotherapeutic research and emerging clinical diagnostics and management strategies. The PRC Pharmacogenomics Focus Group has implemented integrated education programs for students, other interested PRC faculty and trainees in state-of-the-art genomic technologies and procedures. In addition PRC clinical translational research projects include pharmacogenomic studies, as a primary research endpoint as well as a contributing factor in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies that PRC investigators conduct.

Current Pharmacogenomic Research Projects

1. Correlation of pharmacogenomics with anti-platelet activity ( Gengo/Schroeder)
2. Genotype patterns among HIV-infected substance users ( Ma)
3. Application of pharmacogenomic tests in developing countries ( Maponga)
4. Implementation of a prospective clinical pharmacogenomics and medication safety program for HIV-infected individuals ( Morse)
5. Integrating a genotype and gene expression studies into the pharmacologic management of renal disease and transplantation immunosuppression ( Tornatore)
6. Microbial genomics and antibiotic activity ( Tsuji).
7. Myostatin gene expression/message in white blood cells and protein blood concentrations as pharmacogenomic/pharmacodynamic endpoints for muscle wasting conditions (G. Brazeau)

Pharmaceutical Genetics Laboratory

The Pharmaceutical Genetics Laboratory (PGL) directed by Dr. Dan Brazeau provides extensive training and research support for a wide array of molecular genetic techniques to assist researchers in addressing a broad range of questions including gene expression, bioinformatics and genotyping. The laboratory has the necessary equipment to conduct a broad spectrum of techniques in molecular biology including:

• DNA/RNA isolation and cloning from a variety of sources
• DNA hybridization assays (arrays, dot-blots, southerns, northerns)
• PCR and RT-PCR
• Quantitative Real Time PCR
• Genotyping
• Genotyping Marker Development (microsatellites, AFLPs, and SNPs)

In addition the Pharmaceutical Genetics Lab provides extensive education and training - offered to not only university personnel but also to outside researchers and professionals reflecting the latest technologies available including:

• DNA microarray technology
• Statistical packages/programs for genetic analysis
• Silencing RNA Technologies
• Molecular Genetic Methodologies for Pharmaceutical Sciences

Student, Resident and Fellow Research in Pharmacogenomics

1. Distribution of CYP3A5 polymorphisms in HIV patients with different ethnic background ( Fusco-P1)
2. Influence of CYP3A5 polymorphisms on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of protease inhibitors ( Picone-P4)
3. Impact of MDR1 polymorphisms on atazanavir disposition and immune responses ( Tam-P3)
4. Distribution of MDR1 polymorphisms in HIV patients with different ethnic background ( Venuto-P1)

Regional Clinical Pharmacogenomics Program

WNY Pharmacogenomics Program

Presentations and Publications

Tornatore K, Brazeau D, Dole K, et al. Time dependent expression of MDR-1 in stable male renal transplant recipients. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2005; 77: P62.

Haas CE, Brazeau D, Cloen D, et al. Cytochrome P-450 mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes as a predictor of enzyme induction. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2005; 61: 583-593.

Haas DW, Smeaton LM, Shafer RW, Robbins GK, Morse GD, Labbe L, Wilkinson GR, Clifford DB, D'Aquila RT, De Gruttola V, Pollard RB, Merigan TC, Hirsch MS, George AL, Donahue JP, Kim RB. Pharmacogenetics of long-term responses to antiretroviral regimens containing efavirenz and/or nelfinavir: An adult AIDS clinical trials group study. JInf Dis 2005 ; 192 : 1931-1942.

Ma Q, Brazeau D, Zingman BS, Reichman RC, Fischl MA, Gripshover BM, Venuto CS, Slish JC, Difrancesco R, Forrest A, Morse GD. Detection of MDR1 single nucleotide polymorphisms in HIV-infected substance users and nonusers. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2006; 79: P67.

Ma Q, Brazeau D, Zingman BS, Reichman RC, Fischl MA, Gripshover BM, Venuto CS, Slish JC, Difrancesco R, Forrest A, Morse GD. Multidrug resistance 1 polymorphisms and trough concentrations of atazanavir and lopinavir in patients with HIV. Pharmacogenomics 2007; 8:227-235.