Edmonton – Winning project, ?Characterization of the Mutations of the Factor VII Gene?
Charles Tran doesn?t know anyone with Factor VII deficiency, an inherited disorder that affects about one in 500,000 people. But after many hours of laboratory work completing a project called ?Characterization of the Mutations of the Factor VII Gene?, he knows their DNA very well.

?The mutation I have found has not been previously reported and seems to be unique to people with the Factor VII deficiency,? said Tran, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student at Edmonton?s Old Scona Academic High School.

However, he warns, a lot more investigation will be needed to establish beyond doubt that this is the mutation that causes Factor VII deficiency.

?All we can say at the moment is that it is one of many possible genetic abnormalities that may cause the condition,? he said. ?However, even at this stage it will be a very useful contribution to the knowledge base for researchers looking for ways to treat Factor VII deficiency.?

This is Charles Tran?s second year as an entrant in the Aventis Biotech Challenge. Last year he also won a prize for his investigation into a virus that could destroy the bacteria that grows in raw hamburger meat.

?Biotechnology is an extremely interesting field that I might pursue in the future, although it is very difficult to make career predictions at this point in my life,? he said. ?I finish high school this year and I am registered in the science faculty at the University of Alberta and that is about as far ahead as I am thinking right now.?

For more information or to book an interview:
Terry Collins
416-538-8712; 416-878-8712 (mobile)