One of the most exciting aspects of our company is the incredible discoveries we’re making in the area of epigenetics. In this post, we’ll give you the background and context and summarize what we’ve done and where we’re going in this exciting area of medical discovery.

What is Epigenetics? Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene function that do not include changes to the genetic sequence. In very simple terms, genetics is the study of our underlying genes (DNA), while epigenetics is the study of how our genes express themselves. If you remember your biology classes, DNA is transcribed to RNA, which is then translated into proteins. We are studying certain regulatory RNAs that influence this process.

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene function that do not include changes to the genetic sequence. In very simple terms, genetics is the study of our underlying genes (DNA), while epigenetics is the study of how our genes express themselves. If you remember your biology classes, DNA is transcribed to RNA, which is then translated into proteins. We are studying certain regulatory RNAs that influence this process. The Key Insight . In 2015, we learned that micro-RNAs (“miRNAs”), which are small non-coding nucleic acid molecules found throughout our bodies, provide incredibly important information about our overall health. In particular, we learned that miRNA-based biomarkers in saliva can help us accurately and precisely diagnose specific conditions and diseases, including mild traumatic brain injury (“TBI”), Autism Spectrum Disorder (“ASD”) and Parkinson’s Disease (“PD”).

. In 2015, we learned that micro-RNAs (“miRNAs”), which are small non-coding nucleic acid molecules found throughout our bodies, provide incredibly important information about our overall health. In particular, we learned that miRNA-based biomarkers in saliva can help us accurately and precisely diagnose specific conditions and diseases, including mild traumatic brain injury (“TBI”), Autism Spectrum Disorder (“ASD”) and Parkinson’s Disease (“PD”). The Power of the Discovery . This powerful scientific insight opens a vast new landscape of potentiality. We now know that if we analyze and understand RNAs, including miRNAs and microbial RNAs, we can unlock hidden signals about what is happening to our bodies at the cellular level. It’s no wonder that Quadrant Biosciences epigenetics-based approach to diagnostics was ranked the most memorable breakthrough of 2017 by DNA Genotek.

. This powerful scientific insight opens a vast new landscape of potentiality. We now know that if we analyze and understand RNAs, including miRNAs and microbial RNAs, we can unlock hidden signals about what is happening to our bodies at the cellular level. It’s no wonder that Quadrant Biosciences epigenetics-based approach to diagnostics was ranked the most memorable breakthrough of 2017 by DNA Genotek. What We’re Doing . We’re leveraging these discoveries to develop powerful new tools that will help diagnose disease in far more accurate and effective ways than are currently possible. In addition to our groundbreaking work helping clinicians diagnose ASD, TBI and PD, we’re targeting anorexia nervosa and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for future research.

. We’re leveraging these discoveries to develop powerful new tools that will help diagnose disease in far more accurate and effective ways than are currently possible. In addition to our groundbreaking work helping clinicians diagnose ASD, TBI and PD, we’re targeting anorexia nervosa and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder for future research. Our ASD study of over 400 children, funded by the National Institutes of Health and our company, identified several salivary RNA features whose abundance very accurately differentiated children ages 2–6 years with autism spectrum disorder from peers with typical development or developmental delay (accuracy exceeding 85%). Our upcoming publication provides clinicians important biologic tools to support their diagnosis of ASD earlier than today’s norm of over 4 years. It is well established that early diagnosis of ASD leads to early intervention, making significant differences in the child’s, and their families,’ long term outcome.

Our TBI research has been recognized as an important breakthrough by CNN, NPR and other media outlets. Our study, published in November 2017 in JAMA Pediatrics, identified 8 miRNAs that are differentiated in 30 children with prolonged concussion symptoms vs 22 children with acute concussions symptoms. This panel of miRNA identifies the duration and the types of symptoms for mild TBI (concussion) providing clinicians a tool for better mild TBI management.

In our study evaluating patients with early stage PD vs age- and gender- matched controls, we identified several RNA classifiers that differentiated between the two groups with over 90% accuracy. Currently there is no biological tool to aid in the diagnosis of PD. Research has suggested the diagnosis of PD may not happen until 10–15 years from onset of the disease. The ability to provide an early diagnosis may provide PD patients the opportunity to utilize the therapeutic advances for PD that are being developed today.

As we move into the second quarter of 2018, the Quadrant Biosciences team, along with our growing group of scientific collaborators, will continue to work hard to advance these critical areas of research and bring products to market to address these important global health issues. There is a lot of work to do, but we’re incredibly passionate and motivated, so we’re up to the challenge!