World’s First Genetics Resource for Tourette Syndrome Research

One breakthrough in Tourette syndrome research has captured major publications and newsletters about TS from a wide variety of sources. Dr. Mathew State, a Yale University researcher has identified a specific gene defect in a small percentage of people with TS. The researcher claims that the research he did will be able to yield more researches that will identify exact causes and treatments for the disorder. He even mentioned that the research was far behind prior to the identification of the gene. For this kind of drawback, the Tourette Syndrome Cell and DNA Sharing Program was formed from the collaboration of the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and the Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey. Dr. Jay Tischfield, Chair of the Rutgers Department of Genetics and Director of National Institute of Mental Health Center for Collaborative Genetics Research on Mental Disorders, and Scientific Director of the Rutgers Cell and DNA Repository, will direct the collect and storage of the DNA samples, cell lines and other clinical data from people with Tourette syndrome including their families. These will be shared worldwide in order to identify the inherited factors that may be responsible for the development of the disorder and its co- occurring disorders. Dr. Tischfield found the program to be very useful for current researchers for Tourette and will also be useful for attracting new researchers.

“The TS DNA sharing would grow the knowledge-based economy of the state while improving the health and economic welfare if its citizens,” adds Dr. Tischfield. “These are exciting times. With the recent identification of a TS gene defect plus the first TS DNA bank, experts worldwide are poised for huge advances in the field of TS research--advances never before imaginable (TSANJ, 2006).
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Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey