Genetics Oxford University

Professor Peter Donnelly tells us how genetics helps us to understand common diseases and develop new drugs. Understanding which variations in our DNA affect susceptibility to diseases can provide new insights into the disease process and lead to new treatments. Professor Peter Donnelly leads large collaborative human genetic studies, and his group develops and applies statistical methods to extract maximal information from the large datasets generated by genomic studies. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Every psychiatric disorder has a genetic contribution. Although anxiety and depression are very common diseases, current treatments are not very good. A better understanding of the contribution of genetic variants might help us better diagnose as well as develop new therapies. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Professor Gil McVean tells us how statistical genetics helps us understand and treat disease. Genomic technology and statistical analysis of the genome is a powerful tool in understanding disease. Prof Gil McVean is the Head of Bioinformatics and Statistical Genetics at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics. Professor McVean's research covers several areas in the analysis of genetic variation. Combining the development of methods for analysing high throughput sequencing data, theoretical work, and empirical analysis, this research may lead to genetic diagnosis and targeted treatments for disease. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Dr Dianne Newbury talks about the contribution of genetics to specific language impairment. Specific Language Impairment (SLI) is a complex genetic disorder in the development of language. Dr Dianne Newbury is looking for the genes that predispose to SLI. Two regions, located on chromosomes 16 and 19, are linked with this disorder. Interactions between several normal genetic variants and environmental factors make certain individuals more vulnerable to language problems. A better understanding of these underlying biological pathways will lead to the development of more accurate identification systems and better therapies. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Dr Silvia Paracchini talks about the influence of genetics in dyslexia. Dyslexia is a reading impairment that effects up to 10% of children. Dr Silvia Paracchini aims to identify the genetic components of dyslexia to better understand its underlying biology. Working to uncover the biological mechanisms involved in human cognition, Dr Paracchini is looking for connections between dyslexia and other cognitive disorders such as Specific Language Impairment or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Dr Paracchini is looking for possible common genes for these clinically distinct disorders. Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share Alike 2.0 UK: England & Wales; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/uk/

Dr Cecilia Lindgren explores the links between obesity and genetics. Obesity and its consequences are major and growing challenges for health care providers worldwide. While lifestyle is a contributor, over 30 genes associated with body mass index have also been identified. Dr Cecilia Lindgren uses genetic and genomic approaches to better understand the underlying mechanisms and pathways involved in the regulation of overall energy balance, to establish improved therapies and preventive measures.