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

• To gain a better understanding of the genetic, transcriptomic and epigenetic factors involved in brain ageing and age-related decline and disease.

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:

• CHARGE: Cohorts for Heart and Ageing Research in Genetic Epidemiology, which investigates the genetics of ageing and age-related disease.
• ENIGMA: Enhancing Neuro Imaging Genetics Through Meta-Analysis, which examines the genetics of brain structure and function.
• EurodiscoTWIN: European Discordant Twin Study, which aims to carry out research on disease, physical and psychological traits using twins.
• EADB: A European DNA bank for deciphering the missing heritability of Alzheimer’s disease.
• BRIDGET: Brain Imaging, cognition, Dementia and next generation Genomics: a Transdisciplinary approach to search for risk and protective factors of neurodegenerative disease
• IGEMS: Consortium on Interplay of Genes and Environment across Multiple Studies

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