Tomorrow, the GSC is scheduled to begin sequencing the SARS genome, in collaboration with the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and the National Microbiology Lab in Winnipeg.

Determining the sequence of the virus will provide information immediately useful in the detection of the virus, as well as suggestions as to why the virus causes such serious illness. The information generated could also support the design of a vaccine to prevent the disease.

"It is our hope that sequencing the genome of the virus responsible for SARS will reveal its identity, and provide the information necessary to enable rapid diagnostic tests," explains Dr. Marco Marra, Director of the GSC. "Perhaps as importantly, the experience we gain by sequencing the SARS genome will enable us to react even more rapidly in the likely event there is another viral or bacterial outbreak in the future."

The first phase of the GSC's efforts, now underway, focuses on recovering segments of the viral genome, expected to be complete by tomorrow or Wednesday. The second phase is the sequencing of the viral segments, and is expected to take about a week to complete. That information will then be shared with the BCCDC and the National Microbiology Lab, who can immediately start developing a diagnostic test for the virus. In the long term, having the sequencing information may help develop a vaccine.

Although the GSC is working with segments of the SARS virus, the research will not expose patients or staff to the risk of contamination. At no point will there be infectious agents at the BC Cancer Agency. In fact, no GSC staff will come in contact with the infectious virus.

For the virus to be contagious, it must be intact, explains Dr. Caroline Astell, Project Leader at the GSC and an expert in viral biology. The GSC will work only with segments of the virus's RNA genome, and these small fragments are not infectious.

The GSC's expertise in DNA sequencing and its cutting-edge sequencing platform, supported in part by Genome British Columbia and Genome Canada, make it an ideal centre to be involved in this project, says Dr. Astell.

"We're the largest sequencing facility in Canada, and we are capable of high-throughput sequencing," explains Dr. Astell. "This research can tell us how SARS came to be, and provide us with future predictors of how this might happen again."

The BC Cancer Agency, a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Research Centre conducts research into the causes and cures for cancer.

For more information, please contact:
Nicole Adams
Public Relations Officer
BC Cancer Agency
(604) 877.6272