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Identification of novel genes causing intracranial aneurysms

Project Overview

Stroke is the leading cause of disability among adults and one of the three leading causes of death in North America. Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is one of the main subtypes of stroke and is a medical condition where the wall of a vessel in the brain expands, and fills with blood. If an IA bursts, it can cause bleeding in the space between the skull and the brain. The risk of having an IA can be increased by a number of factors including high blood pressure, smoking, brain injury, and also genetic factors however, the genetics behind IA is not well understood. For this project, Dr. Woods and his team are studying the genetics of IA in families from Newfoundland that have a strong family history of the disease. their goal is to find mutations in genes that cause IA, which will help us figure out how to find and treat IA better. To find gene mutations that cause IA, they will be using a method called next generation sequencing (NGS). NGS is a method that takes a person’s DNA and locates all of the mutations in their DNA. This research will have a direct impact on the health and quality of life of people with stroke, and in particular those with IAs. If a mutation is found in the study, any family member could have their DNA tested for this mutation, and treatment could be given if necessary. Once they have identified novel genetic causes of IA, they plan to study the genes and how they work in much more detail. The goal is to eventually build a holistic IA research program.

Principal Investigator

Michael Woods , Memorial University of Newfoundland

Team Members

Ross McGowan, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Partners and Donors

Heart and Stroke Foundation

Project Complete

Identification of novel genes causing intracranial aneurysms

  • Grant Type

    Team grants

  • Area of research

    Injury

  • Disease Area

    Stroke

  • Competition

    Heart and Stroke Foundation Grant-in-Aid

  • Province

    Newfoundland and Labrador

  • Start Date

    2015

  • Total Grant Amount

    $233,322

  • Health Canada Contribution

    $116,661

Contact Us

1200 McGill College Avenue
Suite 1600, Montreal, Quebec
H3B 4G7

+1 (514) 989-2989 info@braincanada.ca

Please note all online donations will receive an electronic tax receipt, issued by Brain Canada Foundation.

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Territorial acknowledgement

The offices of Brain Canada Foundation are located on the traditional, ancestral territory of the Kanien'kehá:ka Peoples, a place which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst nations. We honour and pay respect to elders past, present and emerging, and dedicate ourselves to moving forward in the spirit of partnership, collaboration, and reconciliation. In our work, we focus our efforts on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, particularly those that pertain to improving health for Indigenous Peoples and that focus on advancing our own learning on Indigenous issues.

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Registration number: 89105 2094 RR0001

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  • About
    • What We Do
    • EDI Action Plan
    • Leadership
    • Team
    • Annual Report
    • Publications
    • Careers
  • Brain Conditions
    • One Brain
    • ALS
    • Autism (ASD)
    • Brain Cancer
    • Brain Injury
    • Dementia
    • Epilepsy
    • Mental Illness
    • Multiple Sclerosis
    • Parkinson’s
    • Stroke
    • More
  • Research
    • Programs
    • Funding Opportunities
    • Program Partners
    • Announcements
  • Impact
    • Research Impact Stories
    • Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
    • Brain Health in Indigenous Communities
    • Women’s Brain Health
    • Mind Over Matter
  • How You Can Help
    • Ways to Give
    • Start a Fundraiser
    • Workplace Giving
    • The Great Minds
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