Neurogenetics and Epigenetics

The Brain and Mind Centre (BMC) Neurogenetics and Epigenetics research group is harnessing the rapid development of sequencing technology, bioinformatics and cellular models to identify novel neurodegenerative genes in frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease and to understand their underlying pathogenic mechanisms. These discoveries will lead to the development novel biomarkers that inform on underlying disease, novel therapeutics, and to improve health outcomes for patients undergoing genetic screening.

  • Mutations in genes causal of white matter disease and dysregulation of lipid metabolism in frontotemporal dementias – John Kwok
  • The role of mutant CYLD in frontotemporal dementia and motor neuron disease – Carol Dobson-stone
  • Epigenetic profiling of brain cell-types – Zac Chatterton
  • Brain-derived cell-free DNA – Zac Chatterton
  • Developing a liquid biopsy for the detection of neurodegeneration in younger-onset dementias – Dean Southwood

Meet our Research Group

Associate Professor John Kwok

Principal Research Fellow, USyd

  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics
  • Biomarkers

Dr Carol Dobson-Stone

Senior Research Fellow, USyd

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell culture

Dr Zac Chatterton

Lecturer, USyd

  • Epigenetics
  • Biomarkers
  • Bioinformatics

Dr Lisa Oysten

Postdoctoral Researcher, USyd

  • Microscopy
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

Dr Dean Southwood

Postdoctoral Research Associate, USyd

  • Bioinformatics
  • Sequencing
  • Epigenomics