Genetics & Molecular Networks

The Division of Genetics & Molecular Networks will seek to transform our understanding of how human genetic variation and molecular-network dysfunction cause vulnerability to, and progression of, neurodegenerative disease. Much of disease risk maps to non-coding portions of the genome that alter DNA and RNA regulatory networks and shape molecular pathways in a cell-type-specific manner.

The Division’s mission over the next ten years is to define how genetic variation, ageing and environmental factors interact to drive molecular dysfunction in disease-relevant systems, and to use this understanding to identify and prioritise therapeutic targets, biomarkers and patient-stratification strategies.

Our vision is to build a world-leading engine for translating genetic and molecular discoveries into improved diagnostics and treatments across the major neurodegenerative diseases. Our approach will be focused and integrative, combining genetic, molecular, computational and experimental approaches to move from variant to mechanism and ultimately to intervention.