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Prestigious honour for Indigenous Genomics leaderTrailblazing Aboriginal doctor and health researcher Professor Alex Brown has been made a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) in recognition of his leadership in ensuring Indigenous peoples are at the forefront of genomics efforts nationally and internationally.
Research
Gene editing and cardiac disease modelling for the interpretation of genetic variants of uncertain significance in congenital heart diseaseGenomic sequencing in congenital heart disease (CHD) patients often discovers novel genetic variants, which are classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Functional analysis of each VUS is required in specialised laboratories, to determine whether the VUS is disease causative or not, leading to lengthy diagnostic delays.
Research
People with Cerebral Palsy and Their Family's Preferences about Genomics ResearchThe goal of this study was to understand individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) and their family's attitudes and preferences to genomic research, including international data sharing and biobanking.
Research
Epigenome-Wide Association Studies of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Lung Function: A Systematic ReviewChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) results from gene-environment interactions over the lifetime. These interactions are captured by epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation.
Research
The histone demethylase dLsd1 regulates organ size by silencing transposable elementsThe specific role of chromatin modifying factors in the timely execution of transcriptional changes in gene expression to regulate organ size remains largely unknown. Here, we report that in Drosophila melanogaster depletion of the histone demethylase dLsd1 results in the reduction of wing size. dLsd1 depletion affects cell proliferation and causes an increase in DNA damage and cell death.
News & Events
National network to significantly improve health outcomes for Indigenous AustraliansA new national network will be established to advance the benefits from Genomic Medicine for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Australia.
Research
Copy number variation in tRNA isodecoder genes impairs mammalian development and balanced translationThe number of tRNA isodecoders has increased dramatically in mammals, but the specific molecular and physiological reasons for this expansion remain elusive. To address this fundamental question we used CRISPR editing to knockout the seven-membered phenylalanine tRNA gene family in mice, both individually and combinatorially.
Research
Investigating disparity in access to Australian clinical genetic health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peopleGlobally, there is a recognised need that all populations should be able to access the benefits of genomics and precision medicine. However, achieving this remains constrained by a paucity of data that quantifies access to clinical genomics, particularly amongst Indigenous populations.
Research
Indigenous peoples and inclusion in clinical and genomic research: Understanding the history and navigating contemporary engagementDespite significant improvements in pediatric cancer survival outcomes, there remain glaring disparities in under-represented racial and ethnic groups that warrant mitigation by the scientific and clinical community. To address and work towards eliminating such disparities, the Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium (PNOC) and Children's Brain Tumor Network (CBTN) established a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) working group in 2020. The DEI working group is dedicated to improving access to care for all pediatric patients with central nervous system (CNS) tumors, broadening diversity within the research community, and providing sustainable data-driven solutions.
Research
The landscape of genomic structural variation in Indigenous AustraliansIndigenous Australians harbour rich and unique genomic diversity. However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ancestries are historically under-represented in genomics research and almost completely missing from reference datasets. Addressing this representation gap is critical, both to advance our understanding of global human genomic diversity and as a prerequisite for ensuring equitable outcomes in genomic medicine.