Functional Genomics

Genomics has created new lines of investigation, not only in basic biology, but also now in translational research due to the advent of more efficient, and cost-effective, sequencing technologies. DPAG is playing a leading role in some of these developments

 
Genome
Protein-coding and non-coding genes, lying adjacent to one-another in the genome, have a significant tendency to be co-expressed in the mouse brain
 
 
 
DystrophyTransfection of FAM-labelled locked nucleic acid oligonucleotides (green) into immortalised human myoblast nuclei (blue) derived from a Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient
It is not hyperbole to suggest that genomic information has begun to transform both the understanding of disease mechanisms and the management/treatment of patients.  The major strength in functional genomics in DPAG is led by the MRC Functional Genomics Unit (FGU). The FGU combines the development of novel models of neurological disease with the latest genomics approaches and has a strong translational agenda with close links to Clinical Neurology. Several individuals in this theme are part of the Oxford Neurodegeneration Consortium and the Oxford Center for Parkinson’s Disease Research. Both programmes extend from the identification of pathways from genome-wide association studies, through the establishment of inducible pluripotent stem cells from human patients, to the creation of animal models in a diverse range of organisms, including the mouse, chick and fly.

DPAG has world-leading expertise in:

  • genome sequencing programmes with major contributions to many international sequencing projects
  • evolution and functions of non-coding RNAs, specifically those expressed in the developing brain
  • in vivo analysis of neurological disorders, cancer and fundamental cell biological processes through multidisciplinary studies in a wide range of model organisms



Membership of this theme:

 

Related content