Genetics & Epigenomics The overall aim of this group is to identify the genetic and epigenetic factors associated with brain ageing and age-related decline and disease. To this end, we investigate these questions using data from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study, the Older Australian Twins Study and the Sydney Centenarian Study. We have collected genotyping, epigenetic and gene expression data for many of our study participants. Our group has many collaborations with national and international research groups and consortia, as often large sample sizes are required to identify genetic/epigenetic factors that contribute to complex traits and disease. The findings of this work have facilitated the identification of novel genes and pathways that contribute to a wide range of traits, including brain structure and cognitive performance, leading to new insights into the underlying biology. Ultimately, we aim to translate these findings into diagnostic, preventative and/or treatment strategies to promote healthy ageing. Group Leader: Dr Karen Mather Staff: Dr Anbupalam Thalamuthu, Dr Sumangali Gobhidharan, Dr Naga Mutyala, Sri Chandana Kanchibhotla Students: Mary Revelas, Adith Mohan, Jessica Lazarus, Irina Freitag, Toyin Abdulsalam, Annabel Matison, Russell Chander
Annabel Matison, Dr Karen Mather, Sri Chandana Kanchibhotla, Russell Chander, Dr Adith Mohan, Dr Anbupalam Thalamuthu, Toyin Abdulsalam, Dr Sumangali Gobhidharan, Mary Revelas
Funding Success to Unravel Human Brain Ageing In 2020 Dr Karen Mather was awarded a $100,000 Rebecca Cooper Grant to research the molecular processes underlying brain ageing. The grant, entitled ‘Unravelling human brain ageing – a multi-omics approach', will be used to investigate epigenomic age-related changes in brains from deceased adults aged up to 103 years of age.
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