Group
Applied Genetics
Leader
Dr Debra Foley
Members
Kate Morley, Karyn Carroll, Alicia Papas
Overview
The work undertaken by the Applied Genetics Unit is designed to apply findings from academic genetics to real-world clinical issues.
The value of the work will be determined by the utility of adding measured genetic data to the evaluation of transitions to different stages of illness and to the evaluation of treatment response and efficacy of other interventions. Genetic profile has not previously been explored as a source of variation in the outcome of intervention studies that focus on social and/or cognitive interventions. This work is important because it will help us evaluate if one intervention fits all or if targeted interventions are required.
Current Research Projects
Data Collection projects
Explaining increased risk for heart disease among individuals with psychosis. The first aim of this project is to determine the prevalence of risk factors for heart disease in young people with a first-episode of psychosis prior to treatment with antipsychotic drugs. The second aim of this project is to determine and evaluate change in risk factors for heart disease in young people with a first-episode of psychosis after commencement of treatment with antipsychotic drugs, and followed up over 18 months. A pilot study is under way, and n=26 patients with first-episode psychosis have been enrolled in the study from the Recovery and Psychosis Prevention Service (RAPPS) at Southern Health. A National Health and Medical Research Council grant is under review to fund this project. The pilot phase of the study is being supported by an Early Career Research grant from the University of Melbourne (Dr Morley) and a grant from the Diabetes Foundation (Clinical Director of RAPPS, Associate Prof Brendan Murphy).
Novel olfactory sensitivity in psychosis
To test novel olfactory deficits in the ability to detect two smells whose relevant olfactory receptor maps to a chromosomal region where candidate genes for psychosis are also located. We have been approved access to the Australian Schizophrenia Research Bank (ASRB), which has ascertained a large series of subjects with schizophrenia. We will shortly begin data collection for this project.
The Applied Genetics Unit also supports DNA collection for other Orygen projects, which include the follow-up of ultra-high risk for psychosis clients seen by the PACE Clinic (~300 samples collected); the Adolescent Development Study (~160 samples collected); and the Cannabis Study (~50 samples collected).
Data Analysis projects
Dr Foley also collaborates with Orygen colleagues on the First Episode of Psychosis Outcome Study, and on epigenetic projects with colleagues at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne. This includes looking at mechanisms affecting gene expression and their relationship to risk for persistent depression during adolescence and early adulthood. The team is also collaborating with colleagues at the Queensland Institute for Medical Research on the relationship between the metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, and depression.
Follow-up of ultra-high risk (UHR) subthreshold psychosis cohort (PACE-400)
Follow-up of two first episode psychosis cohorts
The FEPOS (first episode psychosis outcome study)
The EPPIC-800 (early psychosis prevention and intervention centre study)
