Research Focus
The Statistical Genetics Laboratory studies the role that genetic variation plays in determining risk of disease and its risk factors.
The laboratory develops and applies statistical genetic methods to gene mapping studies across a wide range of traits and diseases.
One major focus is understanding genetic variation in various cancers, including melanoma, ovarian cancer and oesophageal cancer. This work will lead to a better understanding of why particular individuals are affected by cancer or why they respond poorly to cancer treatment.
Another major interest is ophthalmological genetics, with ongoing work to identify the specific genes involved in both eye disease and their underlying quantitative risk factors.
Gallery
Research Projects
Current Research Projects
Gene mapping studies on eye disease
Translation of gene discoveries in eye disease using approaches such as genetic prediction
The modifiable risk factors that actually cause cancer
Research Team
Xikun Han
Guiyan Ni
Marloes Helder
Mathias Seviiri
Funding
- National Health and Medical Research Council
- Council Cancer Queensland
- Worldwide Cancer Research
- Tour de Cure
- Medical Research Future Fund
- BrightFocus
- Australian Skin and Skin Cancer Research Centre
- QIMR Berghofer Christmas Appeal
- Philanthropic support from The Great Priory of Queensland, Hand Hearts Pockets, Brian and Merle Dwyer, and the Laurence Edward Wilkins Foundation
Student Projects
Further Information
- Professor Jamie Craig, Flinders University
- Dr Kathryn Burdon, University of Tasmania
- Dr Alex Hewitt, University of Melbourne
- Professor David Mackey, Lions Eye Institute
- Professor Janey Wiggs, Harvard Medical School
- Professor Georgia Long & Professor Richard Scolyer, Melanoma Institute Australia
- Professor M. Tere Landi and Dr Kevin Brown, National Cancer Institute Bethesda, USA
- Dr Mark Iles, University of Leeds
- Professor Dan Chambers, Prince Charles Hospital
- Professor Anne E Cust and Dr Julia Steinberg, The Daffodil Centre
- Maciej Trzaskowski, IntelMagik Consultancy
- Professor Dale Nyholt, Queensland University of Technology
- Associate Professor Aideen McInerney-Leo and Professor Kiarash Khosrotehrani, University of Queensland
- Professor Joseph Powell, Garvan Institute