Genetic epidemiology

Professor Lyle Palmer
Professor John Newnham
Professor Lawrie Beilin
Professor Fiona Stanley
Dr Craig Pennell
Dr Anke van Eekelen
Dr Dorota Doherty
Dr Pamela McCaskie
Ms Nicole Warrington

Professor Stephen Lye - University of Toronto
Professor John Challis - University of Toronto
Professor Stephen Mathews - University of Toronto
Professor Laurent Briollais - University of Toronto
Professor George Davey-Smith, University of Bristol
Dr Deborah Lawlor, University of Bristol
Dr Tom Gaunt, University of Southampton
Professor Cesar Victora - University of Pelotas

Genetic Epidemiology is the study of the determinants of complex human disease and, in particular, the role of genetics in these diseases. The Raine Genetic Epidemiology group is primarily investigating the relationship between antenatal and postnatal environments and how this relationship contributes to the development of adult diseases including metabolic syndrome (coronary heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, type II diabetes and dyslipidemia), obesity, neurologic disorders and mental illness. Although adverse antenatal and postnatal environments increase the risk of particular adult diseases, not all individuals exposed to these environments develop these conditions, suggesting that an individual’s genotype may contribute to the eventual outcome. Our research program is to define genes and interactions between genes and environment that underlie developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD). Our results should have significant impact upon our understanding of the biology underlying DOHaD. Identification at birth of genetic signatures that enhance the risk of adult disease will provide opportunities to develop lifestyle or medical intervention strategies aimed at preventing these adverse outcomes

Last updated 13 November 2008