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The Medical Genomics Group has broad interests in the genomics and epigenomics of phenotypic plasticity in health and disease. We use computational and data science approaches to study genetic and epigenetic variations and how they modulate genome function. Our research aims to advance translational, regenerative and personalized medicine. We also advocate for more open data sharing and governance and science in general.
Research Projects
DNA methylation is involed in many biological processes, health states and treatment options. The aim of this project is to develop novel computational methods for advanced methylome analysis in health and disease. Current developments include new tools for RRBS (), imputation (GIMMEcpg), handling of large data tables (MATT), DNA methylation clocks (, epiClockR) and BeadChip arrays ().
Epigenomics of Common Disease
Having established the concept epigenome-wide association studies () in 2011, we have contributed to since then and are currently involed in EWAS on T1D and CKDu and related studies across several population cohorts (, HAPIEE, ).
Epigenetics of Aging
Research into healthy aging benefits from having biomarkers for different aspects of the aging process. DNA methylation has the hallmarks to make an excellent biomaker and turned out to be the most accurate molecular readout of aging to date. We develop, evaluate and use epigenetic clocks in a variety of aging contexts to assess their use as a possible molecular crystal ball for human aging. See for mini review.
Aberrant DNA methylation is an early event in carcinogenesis. Liquid biopsies hold great promise for the early detection of tumour-specific genetic and epigenetic alterations, enabling early diagnosis and improved cancer management. The aim of the C2c project is to develop novel approaches for detection of tumour-specific DNA methylation changes in cell free DNA (cfDNA) for predictive, prognostic, and diagnostic purposes.
OMEGA: A custom genOME GenerAtor
Data science plays an essential role in Genomic Medicine, including the . However, the development of the underlying algorithms is severely hampered by data access issues. OMEGA will overcome this limitation with open access reference genomes from and that will be customised by machine learning approaches with quantifiable (epi)genetic variants and signatures of clinically relevant phenotypes and diseases for diverse ancestries.
Using , PGP-UK provides genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic and trait data under Open Access to advance personal and medical genomics and to promote Citizen Science. In addition to the data, PGP-UK provides Open Access genome, methylome and pharmacogenetics reports. Details of the and are published.
The European Standards for Precision Medicine (EU-STANDS4PM) Consortium will initiate an EU-wide mapping process to assess and evaluate strategies for data-driven in silico modelling approaches. A central goal is to develop harmonised transnational standards, recommendations and guidelines that allow a broad application of predictive in silicomethodologies in personalised medicine across Europe. Our contribution is to evaluate and implement innovative strategies for sharing data more openly and effectively.
GCGR is generating a comprehensive collection of research tools, materials and associated data to lay the foundations for future basic and translational studies into glioma.
EpiMatch
This NIHR Blood Transplant Research Unit project aims to identify and validate donor-specific biomarkers which are predictive of recipient outcome following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Such biomarkers would allow guidance of treatment strategy and improved donor selection, in a personalised medicine approach to transplantation.
Using a systems medicine approach, this project aims to develop personalised treatments for multiple sclerosis based on multi-omics biomarkers. Our contributions to MultipleMS consist of integrative computational analyses and the development of a DNA methylation-based biomarker for brain atrophy.
