Division Notes

Thursday, February 7, 2002

Vol 8, Issue 3

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Leonid Kruglyak's linkage analysis attracts $1.5 million NIH award

For his laboratory's work to improve the algorithms and software for linkage and association analyses, techniques used to pinpoint the chromosomal locations of genes, Dr. Leonid Kruglyak of the Human Biology Division has received a Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award from the National Institutes of Health.

The initial award totals more than $1.5 million over five years, after which the funding can be extended for five more years.

Kruglyak maps genes for complex diseases such as cancer and diabetes that result from mutations in more than one gene. He developed software for and participated in the construction of the first physical map of the human genome, published in 1995. He also has performed extensive analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, small changes in DNA that constitute to the bulk of variation in the human genome.

With the MERIT award, Kruglyak will develop efficient computational approaches to identify disease genes in studies that involve pedigree analysis of large families. In addition, he will develop approaches to identify disease genes in population-based studies, which allow researchers to look at large groups of unrelated individuals to locate genes and nearby chromosomal markers associated with particular diseases.

MERIT awards are given to investigators who have demonstrated superior competence and productivity. The awards provide outstanding NIH grant recipients with five years of funding for innovative research projects, followed by two to five years of support. The funding extension process eliminates the lengthy NIH grant-renewal process.

Kruglyak received the award from NIH's Institute for Mental Health, which funds research on the brain and behavior with the goal of understanding and treating mental illness. Like cancer, many mental illnesses including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have a complex genetic basis whose understanding will benefit from Kruglyak's analytical methods.

Judy Groombridge retires after 26 years in electron microscopy

After 26 years of service, Judy Groombridge retired last month as a specialist in the Hutch's electron microscopy shared resource.

"I've loved working at the Hutch," she said. "They treat people well here."

Although the basic technology of electron microscopy has not changed much over the years, Groombridge said, everything else has. from the types of samples she helps investigators examine to the computers and automation that have become integral parts of the equipment.

Groombridge was hired in 1975 by Liz Caldwell, who manages the facility, shortly after Caldwell was called upon by Center founder Dr. Bill Hutchinson to establish a microscopy service. Previously, the two had worked together at the University of Washington.

"We've worked together for more than 30 years," Caldwell said. "Judy will really be missed. She does what she does better and faster than most other people. Plus, I'm used to having her around to bail me out all the time."

Dr. Beverly Torok-Storb of the Clinical Research Division said that Groombridge routinely went above and beyond her duties.

"Judy comes from an era when everybody did their job - and more."

Groombridge plans to spend much of her time building an addition on her home, tending to her dogs, playing golf and visiting family in Montana.

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