Genetic and cytogenetic family trio study

This project will carry out chromosomal analysis of cells from nuclear test veterans and their children. The purpose of the study is to examine for any chromosome aberrations and, to ascertain if there are any differences between nuclear and control family groups.

The need to research for potential genetic damage amongst nuclear test veterans and the possibility of transmitted genetic alterations in their children has been a cornerstone requirement identified by British nuclear community. This project will directly address this need by looking for possible cytogenetic differences between nuclear and control family groups and will be the first comprehensive cytogenetic exploration of this community to take place in the UK.

The project will identify and recruit nuclear test veteran family trios (father, mother, child) to provide samples for cytogenetic analysis by a number of fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH)-based techniques. The study will ascertain whether there is any evidence of elevated frequencies of chromosomal aberrations in the veterans and/or their children when compared to control families.