New research centre focuses on molecular genetics of musculoskeletal disorders

Montreal, QC – The CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center has opened a state-of-the art laboratory dedicated to the molecular genetics of musculoskeletal disorders. The laboratory has leading-edge infrastructure and will focus on developing innovative diagnostic tools and therapeutic treatments to prevent and stop disease progression through tailored pharmacotherapies.

The laboratory staff, under the leadership of by Dr Alain Moreau, will develop new molecular diagnostic tools for the early screening of scoliosis and other disorders that affect large numbers of children and adults and for which there are no tests. The ywill also develop novel therapeutics aimed at preventing scoliosis or stopping its progression at an early stage.

“We are now, for the first time, in the exceptional position of being able to foresee the eradication of the disease in the very near future with the development of the first drugs within ten years’ time,” says Dr Moreau.

“Dr Moreau’s research work will lead to significant advances in the field of musculoskeletal disorders by preparing today for the medicine of tomorrow,” says Dr Guy A Rouleau, director of the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center. “In fact, his activities in the field of genomics are going to lead to a type of medicine that is adapted to a patient’s genetic profile in order to deliver a targeted therapeutic response tailored to an individual’s health problems.”

The lab’s facilities include high-tech equipment that is used for genetic profiling to identify sub-groups of patients for whom customized prevention programs can be prescribed. A robotic platform that analyzes biochemical tests for 500 patients within four hours will also make it possible to identify various potential therapeutic agents.