The Naomi Wray Lab, located at the University of Queensland, is a renowned research facility dedicated to the study of complex diseases. Led by Professor Naomi Wray, a prominent statistical geneticist, the lab focuses on developing and applying statistical methods to understand the genetic basis of complex traits and diseases. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary research, the Naomi Wray Lab has made significant contributions to the field of genetics and has published numerous papers in top-tier scientific journals.
Research Focus
The Naomi Wray Lab is primarily focused on the genetic analysis of complex diseases, including psychiatric disorders, neurological diseases, and cancer. The lab uses a range of statistical and computational methods to analyze large datasets, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing data. By identifying genetic variants associated with complex diseases, the lab aims to improve our understanding of the underlying biology and develop new therapeutic strategies.
Key Research Areas
The lab’s research is broadly categorized into several key areas, including:
- Genetic analysis of complex diseases: The lab uses statistical methods to identify genetic variants associated with complex diseases, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.
- Gene expression and regulation: The lab studies the regulation of gene expression and its relationship to complex diseases, with a focus on the role of non-coding RNA and epigenetic modifications.
- Integrative genomics: The lab integrates data from multiple sources, including GWAS, gene expression, and proteomic datasets, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex diseases.
| Research Area | Key Findings |
|---|---|
| Genetic analysis of schizophrenia | Identification of multiple genetic variants associated with schizophrenia, including variants in the DRD2 and COMT genes. |
| Gene expression in bipolar disorder | Discovery of differential gene expression patterns in bipolar disorder, including altered expression of genes involved in neurotransmitter signaling. |
| Integrative genomics of cancer | Integration of GWAS and gene expression data to identify key drivers of cancer progression, including genetic variants associated with tumor growth and metastasis. |
Collaborations and Funding
The Naomi Wray Lab collaborates with researchers from around the world, including institutions such as the Broad Institute, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Karolinska Institute. The lab is funded by a range of organizations, including the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council (ARC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Key Collaborators
The lab collaborates with a range of researchers, including:
- Professor Peter Visscher, University of Queensland: Collaboration on the development of statistical methods for GWAS and the analysis of complex disease genetics.
- Professor Alkes Price, Harvard University: Collaboration on the development of methods for integrative genomics and the analysis of gene expression data.
- Professor Patrick Sullivan, University of North Carolina: Collaboration on the genetic analysis of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The Naomi Wray Lab's research has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the NHMRC's Elizabeth Blackburn Fellowship and the Australia Fellowship. The lab's work has also been featured in high-profile scientific journals, including Nature, Nature Genetics, and PLOS Genetics.
What is the main focus of the Naomi Wray Lab’s research?
+The Naomi Wray Lab is primarily focused on the genetic analysis of complex diseases, including psychiatric disorders, neurological diseases, and cancer.
What methods does the lab use to analyze genetic data?
+The lab uses a range of statistical and computational methods, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing data analysis.
What are some of the lab’s key research findings?
+The lab has identified multiple genetic variants associated with complex diseases, including variants in the DRD2 and COMT genes, and has discovered differential gene expression patterns in bipolar disorder.
