Research in genetic disease is crucial to the understanding and eventual treatment of many life threatening disorders which are inherited or caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. ON THE PATHWAYS TO CURES, THE RESEARCH STEPS ARE: 1. Identification of genes and genetic alterations which contribute to disease. 2. Understanding how these genes function in the body to cause disease. 3. Using this knowledge to develop new therapeutic approaches to disease and to improve diagnosis and management of disease. View our Research Projects & Technologies For an inside look at research progress on a disease gene and an important core technology, read the research stories below. Juvenile diabetes: x Dr. Leigh Field, University of Calgary and U.B.C. Although effective cures do not yet exist for many inherited disorders, genetic research has the potential to substantially improve the qualify of life of those afflicted and to improve the efficiency of our health care resources. Moving closer to a therapy for PKU sufferers. Phenylketonuria (PKU): Dr. Charles Scriver, Montreal Children’s Hospital Research Institute Currently, the disease imposes a stringent, lifelong controlled diet and a dependence on nutritional supplements to reduce blood levels of phenylalanine and prevent mental retardation. Improved screening for childhood eye cancer Retinoblastoma (RB): Dr. Brenda Gallie, Ontario Cancer Institute A molecular diagnostic (non-invasive) approach to regular testing of children at risk is more humane and cost effective for the health care system. Read more about our Research Discoveries