The Genetics & Epigenomics group has grown out of our interest in the genetics of brain ageing and age-related disease. Heritability studies suggest that there is a genetic component to most age-related traits. To fully understand ageing and age-related diease, we need to better understand how both genetics and environment contribute to these processes. Successful CHeBA grants have enabled us to collect genetic samples in addition to demographic, lifestyle, neuroimaging and health data that facilitates genetic studies investigating brain ageing and age-related disease.
Our work began in 2005 when the first DNA samples were donated by participants from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study. Since the arrival of Dr Karen Mather in 2009 and Dr Anbu Thalamuthu in 2012, both of whom work exclusively on the genomics and epigenomics studies of CHeBA, the group has been able to expand its activities and now includes genetic, epigenetic and transcriptomic analysis using samples from three different CHeBA studies. We have an active interest in epigenetics, specifically examining the relationships between DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs and ageing-related traits and disease. Our work aims to provide insights into the biological processes underlying ageing, age-related decline and disease. It may also assist in the early identification of individuals who are at greater risk of age-related decline, disability and disease and thereby target them for potential interventions. As epigenetic modifications are potentially modifiable by environmental factors, this research may suggest novel preventative or therapeutic strategies for altering epigenetic profiles in older adults that may reduce the risk of age-related decline and disease.
Aims
Methodology
We have collected samples for genetic, epigenetic and transcriptomic analyses from participants of the Sydney Memory & Ageing Study (MAS), the Older Australian Twins Study (OATS) and the Sydney Centenarian Study (SCS). All laboratory work is undertaken at Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA). Genome-wide genotyping has been undertaken and completed for all three studies. We are also undertaking studies examining the transcriptome (RNAseq, microarrays) and interrogating the methylome (microarrays, pyrosequencing). Whole genome sequencing and methylC-sequencing will also be completed for a subsample in 2018. Brain samples are also being collected from national and international brain banks, to examine the changes in the transcriptome across adulthood.
International collaborations: We are currently participating in several large international consortia aiming to discover new genetic variants and epigenetic factors associated with various traits and diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease.
These consortia include:
Staff
Collaborators
Dr Nicola Armstrong, Murdoch University
Assoc. Prof. John Kwok, Sydney University
Prof. Peter Schofield, Neuroscience Research Australia
Prof. John Attia, Newcastle University
Prof. Bernhard Baune, University of Adelaide
Students
Jessica Lazarus, PhD candidate
Adith Mohan, PhD candidate
Mary Revelas, PhD candidate
Helen Wu, PhD candidate
Prospective Students: We value the contributions of our students and any interested prospective students are more than welcome to contact us to discuss potential projects. Top-up PhD scholarships may also be available.
Funding Acknowledgements
Alzheimer's Australia Dementia Research Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship (Karen Mather)
NHMRC Program Grants 350833, 568969, 109308; NHMRC Capacity Building Grant 568940; ; NHMRC Project Grants 630593, 1045325, 1085606, 1045325
NHMRC/ARC Strategic Award 401162
CSIRO Flagship Collaboration Grant
Yulgilbar Foundation Alzheimer’s Research Program
Thomas Foundation
Sachdev Foundation
Mason Foundation Grant
Group Projects
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Professor Perminder |
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Professor Henry Brodaty |