| Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are small differences in the genetic information between individuals that promise to help pre-determine disease risk factors and provide tailor-made disease diagnosis. What are SNPs?
SNPs are single nucleotide polymorphisms. They are changes of a single base pair in a DNA sequence. Why are SNPs important?
If SNPs occur in the part of a gene coding for a protein, they may alter the structure and function of the protein. This may lead to susceptibility or resistance to disease or alter the response of an individual to a particular medication. SNPs may also occur in the non-coding regulatory regions of a gene and so alter its level of expression. What is an SNP database?
Most studies of SNPs have been performed in western countries with a Caucasian study group. Recent SNP research consolidated by the SNP Consortium have only recently begun to include other racial populations, which are likely to have significant differences in the frequency and distribution of SNPs. Hai Kang Life is compiling the most comprehensive database of SNPs of Asian (specifically Chinese) populations. This is an invaluable asset in the development of effective medicines for the Asian target population, since they can be based on known genetic characteristics. This information will eventually allow doctors to customize treatment for individuals based on their SNP profile. What diseases are Hai Kang Life investigating?
At the moment we have plans to work on SNP profiles of asthma, diabetes type 2, mental diseases, cardiovascular disease, various cancers (including prostate cancer), stomach cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), Hepatitis B and C. To learn more about the SNP database, please contact us. | 
