Human Genome Research Project

Molecular Genetics

• Head of Unit
• Summary of Research

See also: Molecular Genetics in the hospital's Directory of Services.

Head of Unit

Summary of Research

We have been involved in a wide range of molecular genetic research. The main focus of the Department's research effort has been collaborations with other departments on the Western Sydney campus. Dr Bruce Bennetts is one of the principal investigators in the study of complex genetic diseases across a variety of different disorders including: multiple sclerosis and atopic dermatitis (Dept of Immunology, Westmead Hospital, Department of Dermatology, CHW), diabetes complications (Dept of Endocrinology, CHW and Dept of Immunology, Westmead Hospital), anorexia nervosa (Dept of Psychological Medicine, CHW), susceptibility to respiratory infections (Dept of Immunology, CHW) and asthma (CAPS, CHW).

During 1998 - 2000, the Department of Molecular Genetics has been central to the recruiting of nuclear families (affected individuals and both their biological parents), the storage of DNA and the development of genotyping for polymorphisms within these DNA banks. Eight postgraduate students and two overseas fellows have been the taught the basics of molecular biology and genotyping techniques and have worked in the laboratory for substantial periods of time. This has led to the establishment of DNA banks of international significance which will be of tremendous value in ongoing and future studies. The department has also worked closely with the Metabolic Research group and the Marfan Research group providing a DNA extraction service and jointly developing DHPLC technology. The Department of Molecular Genetics is now one of Australia's leading laboratories in the development and use of this new mutation detection technology.