Aim
To gain a better understanding of the genetic, transcriptomic and epigenetic factors involved in ageing, age-related decline and disease, with a focus on the brain.
Methodology
We have collected samples for genetic, epigenetic and transcriptomic analyses from participants of the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study (MAS), the Older Australian Twins Study (OATS) and the Sydney Centenarian Study (SCS). 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 has also been completed for a subsample, including 100 centenarians. 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.
- EADB (PDF): A European DNA bank for deciphering the missing heritability of Alzheimer’s disease.
- BRIDGET (PDF): 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
