Genetics and genomics in health and disease

We use genetic approaches to discover critical genes and pathways increasing risk for complex diseases (including endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and melanoma). Follow-up genomic studies aim to understand how these genetic differences regulate gene expression and epigenetics to alter disease risk. A major focus is women’s health and the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We have identified genomic regions strongly associated with increased endometriosis risk and are analysing gene expression and methylation patterns in the endometrium to understand how these genetic variants contribute to increased disease risk. Endometriosis is associated with other reproductive traits and diseases including ovarian cancer and we also study the mechanisms of shared genetic risk.

Traineeships, honours and PhD projects include

• Analysis of gene expression in the human endometrium
• Analysis of genomic regions associated with endometriosis risk and other diseases
• Methylation patterns in the endometrium in health and disease
• Genetic control of methylation patterns in the endometrium and other tissues.