Otago researchers recipients of inaugural $3m Marsden Fund Award

Dr. Frank A. Camacho, associate professor of biology, will be assisting in a research project of the University of Otago in New Zealand investigating the role of genetic predisposition in developing metabolic diseases, like diabetes and gout, among Pacific people. He is seeking individuals of CHamoru ancestry to participate in a study and collecting data to be part of the larger study on gout in Pacific Islanders.

"The results from this study will provide insight into the underlying genetic factors contributing to the high incidence of gout in Pacific Islanders," Camacho said. "In addition, we hope to characterize the genetic variation in these factors among Pacific Island populations and how this variation informs our understanding of the settlement of Oceania."

Read more in this article by New Zealand Doctor, a medical news publication.

Those interested in participating can get more information here or inquire by calling (671) 483-7677 or emailing gout@uog.edu.