SMS - Study of Somatic Mutations Using Genome Sequencing
This study is called 'SMS' and it's looking into how tiny changes in our genes, called mutations, happen as we get older. Think of these mutations as little spelling mistakes in our body's instruction book (DNA). These mistakes can build up over time and might be caused by everyday things like sunshine, or by smoking, or even medical treatments like radiotherapy. Scientists believe these mutations might give us clues about how our bodies age and develop certain health conditions. By studying DNA from different body parts, they hope to understand how these changes are affected by things like our age, what we've been exposed to, and our health history. This research could help us learn more about our health and how to keep our bodies working well.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research project, called the 'SMS Study of Somatic Mutations Using Genome Sequencing', aims to understand how our genes change over time. Every single cell in your body has a unique instruction manual called DNA. Sometimes, tiny errors or 'mutations' can appear in this manual. These mutations are natural and can happen when cells divide, or they can be influenced by things we encounter in our environment, like sunlight exposure or smoke, or even certain medical treatments you might have had, such as radiotherapy.
Scientists believe these accumulated genetic changes can tell us a lot about how our bodies age and how different life experiences or health issues might affect us at a cellular level. By using advanced technology that can 'read' our genetic code very quickly and accurately, researchers can spot these tiny changes. This study is a chance to learn more about these processes.
Ultimately, by studying these genetic changes, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of how our bodies work, how we age, and how various factors influence our long-term health. The information gathered from this study could be valuable for future medical research and for improving our health knowledge.
Key takeaways
- Studies how DNA changes (mutations) over a person's life.
- Aims to understand how ageing, environment (sun, smoke), and treatments affect these changes.
- Involves providing samples like blood, skin, hair, and urine.
- Participation helps future understanding of health and ageing.
- Open to healthy adults and adults with specific health histories (e.g., radiotherapy exposure).
- No direct health benefit to participants, but contributes to medical knowledge.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) and be able to give your informed consent, meaning you understand the study and agree to participate yourself.
If you are healthy, you might be able to join as a 'control' participant. If you have been identified by a research nurse or doctor as someone who might have genetic changes due to environmental factors (like sun exposure or smoking), or other reasons like your medical history or past treatments (such as radiotherapy), you might also be eligible.
Unfortunately, children are not able to join this study. Also, if an adult is unable to understand or agree to take part, they won't be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Are you able to understand the study information and agree to take part yourself?
- Have you been identified by a nurse or doctor as potentially having genetic changes from environmental factors or treatments?
- If you are healthy, would you be willing to be a 'control' participant?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing you'll be asked to do is provide some samples. This will involve collecting a small amount of blood, a tiny skin sample (called a biopsy), a few plucked hairs, and a urine sample. If you are having planned surgery in the future, the study might also ask for a small piece of any extra tissue that is already being removed during your operation. They might also look at tissue samples that have been collected from you in the past and stored.
The research does not involve taking any medication or having extra procedures just for the study beyond the sample collection. There are no specific visits or follow-up appointments mentioned for this study, as the focus is on analysing the collected samples. The total duration of your direct involvement would be limited to the time it takes to provide these samples.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Wellcome Sanger InstituteVerified postcodeCambridge, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is a 'somatic mutation'?
It's a small change or 'spelling mistake' in the DNA of your body cells that happens during your lifetime. It's different from changes you're born with.
Why is this study looking at my genes?
Researchers want to see how these changes build up as we get older and if things like sun exposure, smoking, or medical treatments like radiotherapy affect them. This helps us understand health and ageing better.
What kind of samples will I need to provide?
You might be asked for blood, a small skin sample (biopsy), some plucked hairs, and a urine sample. If you're having surgery, some extra tissue might also be used.
Will I get any results from my samples?
No, this is a research study to understand general patterns. Individual results from your samples won't be given back to you.
Is my personal information kept private?
Yes, all your samples and genetic information will be handled confidentially and kept private by the research team.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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