Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Genetics of Neurodisability

Research Overview

Under the campus partnership, our research is embedded in MCRI.  Full research profile may be found at https://www.mcri.edu.au/users/aprofessor-david-amor

The Genetics of Neurodisability Group aims to improve the lives of children with neurodisability through improved diagnosis and treatment.  The majority of neurodisabilities have a genetic cause, yet even using the latest genetic testing technologies, a specific cause is identified in only 25% of affected children.  Moreover, many new genetic tests are not routinely available. Knowing the genetic cause is a key entry point for treatment, prevention and improving clinical care.  Our research focusses on identifying genetic causes for a range of neurodisabilities including intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, brain malformations and autism. We are also actively involved in the translation of new genomic testing technologies into clinic use.

Collaborators

We collaborate with a range of different groups including those from the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, University of Melbourne.  Our principle local collaborators are A/Prof Paul Lockhart, Professor Martin Delatycki and Dr Rick Leventer (Accelerated Gene Identification Program), A/Prof Melanie Bahlo (bioinformatics lead for the AGIP Program), Prof Jane Halliday (IVF studies and epidemiology), Dr David Godler (epigenetics and Fragile X), Prof Katrina Williams (Autism research), Prof Dinah Reddihough (cerebral palsy research), A/Prof Angela Morgan (Genetics of speech and language disorders).

Funding

We are funded through NHMRC and various philanthropic organisations.