GRC undertakes research on the genetic basis of disease through the use of its unique population resources and the application of genetic studies to common, complex human disorders in order to develop improved diagnostics and therapeutic strategies. Researchers within the GRC have expertise in gene mapping and the characterisation of gene dysfunction. Researchers within the GRC investigate the genetic and environmental factors involved in common chronic human disorders, with a focus on the understanding of complex genetic pathways of common disorders including cardiovascular disease (CVD), migraine, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative disease, multiple sclerosis, oral health disorders and a number of cancers including lymphoma, skin and breast cancer. The GRC has significant genomic population resources for more than 10,000 participants including case-control populations and the multigenerational pedigree from the unique genetic isolate of Norfolk Island.

Website

https://research.qut.edu.au/grc/

Organisation type

• University Research Centre
• National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Scheme

Number of research staff

20-100 research staff

Address

60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059

Strengths and capabilities

• NATA accredited diagnostic testing
• Next generation Sequencing (NGS)
• Clinical trials
• Case-control population resources
• Norfolk Island isolated population
• Population database of molecular and epidemiological data
• Whole genome and gene expression analyses
• Epigenetic analyses

Facilities and major equipment

• NATA accredited Molecular Diagnostic facility (PC2)
• Clinical trials facility
• Molecular biology research laboratory (PC2)
• Member of the TIA Qld node consortium

Lead researchers

• Professor Lyn Griffiths—Developed a diagnostic and nutraceutical treatment for migraine; utilising the genetic isolate of Norfolk Island in complex disease studies
• Associate Professor Rod Lea—Developed statistical and bioinformatic genetic analyses for application in the integration and interpretation of big data sets
• Dr Larisa Haupt—Obtained philanthropic funds to establish a stem cell research program

Achievements of the centre

• Established first NATA accredited Next generation Sequencing diagnostic service in Australia in 2013
• Continued use of the unique genetic isolate population from Norfolk island to study common complex disorders including migraine and CVD
• 2014 Greppi Award for best unpublished original paper dealing with clinical, epidemiological, genetic, therapeutic aspects of headache

Key science sectors

More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:

• Biotechnology
• Health and medical