Four thousand people with at least two grandparents who were born in either Orkney or Shetland are being asked to part in a research project. The VIKING II study will look to better understand the causes of conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, cancer and others. This in turn could lead to new treatments for these conditions. The unique genetic identity of those with Northern Isles ancestry offers an opportunity to give a detailed picture on how genes are implicated in health. Those who agree to be part of the University of Edinburgh study will complete an online questionnaire about their health and lifestyle. They will also return by post a saliva sample kit, which will be analysed by researchers including genetic sequencing. The study is not limited to those who currently live on Orkney or Shetland, but anywhere worldwide. There is known to be a large diaspora from the Northern Isles to be living in Saskatchewan, Canada; Chicago, USA; and Dunedin, New Zealand, among many other parts of the world. For those living in the UK who volunteer to be part of the study, they can choose to have information on limited genetic results returned to them through the NHS. This information could be useful in terms of their future healthcare, including taking preventive actions to reduce the impact of health conditions. Prof. Jim Wilson, who leads the study, said “Adding 4,000 more volunteers from these special populations will increase the scope and impact of our research into the genetics of health and disease. Hopefully in the long term, this will bring us the better understanding which is the basis of new approaches to treat or prevent disease.” Professor Wendy Bickmore, Director of the MRC Human Genetics Unit, said “This study can begin thanks to the recent five-year funding boost from the Medical Research Council to the MRC Human Genetics Unit. Research participants, patients and their families are at the heart of MRC Human Genetics Unit research.” The study also involves the University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian clinical genetics doctors Prof Zosia Miedzybrodzka and Dr John Dean. They have been holding clinics in Shetland and Orkney for over twenty years. Prof Miedzybrodzka said “Better understanding the genetics of the Northern Isles will lead to better health care in the long run, both directly to the islanders but also worldwide”. People who would like to take part can register their interest by visiting the study website: www.ed.ac.uk/viking. For further information, please contact: Shane Canning, Press and PR Office, 0131 650 2238, shane.canning@ed.ac.uk This article was published on 2024-08-14
