Centre for Precision Health - ECU Strategic Research Centre

Current research areas recruiting HDR students

Neurological conditions

Public perceptions and expectations of genetic testing in Australia

This project aims to explore the expectations and perceptions of what a genetic test can provide from the perspective of people seeking out private genetic testing. Exploring what people perceive genetic testing can do will allow for a greater understanding of the gap between current technology and expectations (Masters by Research project)

Patient satisfaction with private genetic counsellor service across all areas of service

This project aims to examine patient satisfaction with private genetic counselling services across all areas of service, i.e. familial cancer, reproduction, adult, paediatrics and pharmacogenomics. Demonstrating patient perspectives and satisfaction may drive change within the industry leading to better healthcare outcomes in genetic health of the population (Masters by research project).

Understanding genetic contributions to disease progression in Alzheimer's disease

Leveraging extensive existing genome wide genetic and longitudinal clinical phenotype (brain imaging, cognition) data combined with bioinformatic approaches, this program of research will further our understanding of the genetic contributions to Alzheimer's disease development and progression.

Identifying DNA methylation patterns as biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

Leveraging extensive longitudinal epigenetic (genome wide methylation) and clinical phenotype (brain imaging, cognition) data combined with bioinformatic approaches, this project will contribute significantly to understanding epigenetic changes that occur during the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Exploring gene-lifestyle interactions to allow for the personalisation of intervention approaches in Alzheimer's disease

This research program investigates the interaction of genetics and lifestyle/modifiable risk factors (sleep, physical activity, diet, and metabolic factors) in the context of Alzheimer's Disease with the aim of furthering our understanding of gene-lifestyle interactions (Lifestyle Genomics (LGx)) and development of individualised lifestyle interventions and preventative strategies.

Contact for above projects: Professor Simon Laws

Cancer

Identifying blood biomarkers predictive of therapeutic response to immunotherapy

The overarching aim of this study is to assess the clinical utility of blood derived biomarkers such as circulating tumour cells (CTCs), circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and extracellular vesicles for predicting and monitoring response to immune checkpoint blockade in melanoma and lung cancer. It is expected that a suitable candidate has a background in bioinformatic analysis.

Contact: Professor Elin Gray

Identifying mechanisms of liver metastasis and effective treatment strategies in uveal melanoma

Contact: Dr Vivian Chua

The identification of autoantibodies for the diagnosis and monitoring of non-melanoma skin cancers

Contact: Dr Pauline Zaenker

Chronic and metabolic conditions

Deciphering the IgG glycosylation code of Crohn's disease

Contact: Dr Xingang Li 

Towards personalised medicine via population-based study of variability of the human IgG glycome

This ongoing research project aims to develop precise screening and diagnostic N-glycan biomarker panels, over multiple complex phenotypes, and the investigation of their inter- and intra-population validity.

Profiling IgG N-glycans as biomarkers of the ageing process: The Busselton Healthy Ageing Study

The group are one of the founding members of the Human Glycome Project. The N-glycome may be able to stratify individuals who are at risk of developing more serious chronic diseases, during a window where changed behaviours may have the greatest impact.

Suboptimal health: A new instrument for chronic disease assessment

The group has ongoing research focusing on Suboptimal Health Status in diverse populations differing in age range, socioeconomic status, ethnicity and lifestyle behaviours.

Contact for above 3 projects: Professor Wei Wang