DNAprint Genomics (DNAG)

[mingwan0]

More detail on CRC projects

http://diagnosticscrc.org/CDxAdmin/AnnRep2003.pdf

HUMAN IDENTIFICATION MARKERS

PROJECT LEADER

QUT: Dr Angela van Daal and A/Prof Phillip Morris

RESEARCH STAFF

QML: Ms Sue White and Dr Lorraine Westacott
QUT: Drs Andrea Crampton, Richard Hodgson and Joanne Voisey; Mr Steven Brigg

The project also will involve other key collaborations outside the CDx: CRC-CHGD, QIMR, Queensland Department of Health, FBI and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Diatech will also play a significant role through seeking the best partner for commercialisation.

BACKGROUND

The ability to DNA type evidence samples has revolutionised forensic science. Current methods utilise highly polymorphic, anonymous DNA markers and require a suspect to be identified for comparison. Knowledge of the molecular basis of human physical characteristics (such as hair colour, eye colour, height) would allow DNA analysis of an unknown scene sample to provide useful descriptive information about the perpetrator of a crime. With significant experience in DNA forensics and excellent access to samples, CDx is in a strong position to identify new forensically-useful SNP targets and this project also will provide SNP detection technologies for this purpose.

SUMMARY OF OBJECTIVES

The aim of this project is be to determine the genetic basis of the genes for physical characteristics such as pigmentation (skin, hair and eye colour) and to identify the polymorphisms that determine these traits in an individual. This will allow a physical description to be provided from a DNA sample in instances where there is no such information on the perpetrator of a crime. It also can be used to assist in the process of identification of skeletal remains of unknown origin. We therefore will generate a profile of useful SNPs involved in physical traits for development of forensic identification assays.

The short-term objectives of this project are to identify SNPs responsible for characteristics such as pigmentation by comparison of DNA sequences in population samples of differing phenotypes. This will be achieved by a combination of database mining and comparative genomics to investigate candidate genes for SNPs associated with particular phenotypes (eg hair colour). This will constitute a patentable ID profile with enormous value to the forensics industry where such information would greatly simplify and better direct forensic investigations.

MILESTONES FOR 2002-2003

Recruitment of volunteers to establish DNA database for human identification

• Volunteers have been recruited by public media advertising and QUT staff and students.

Ongoing collection of samples from study subjects

• Approximately 250 venipuncture blood samples have been collected from volunteers to date.

Identification of further pigmentation gene SNPs by database mining

• Approximately ten additional pigmentation genes have been identified by database mining.

Identification of candidate pigmentation gene SNPs and analyse in the population samples

• Approximately 250 SNPs (100 coding, 100 5’- and 50 3’- untranslated) have been identified in 25 genes by database mining.

• Twelve SNPs have been analysed in population samples.

Identification of candidate genes for facial morphology

• Approximately 20 genes have been identified as potential genes involved in facial morphology based on animal models.

PLANNED ACTIVITIES

Milestones for 2003-2004

• Identification of pigmentation, height and facial morphology gene SNPs by database mining.

• Identification candidate pigmentation, height and facial morphology gene SNPs.

• Analysis of SNPs in the population samples.

• Integrate these activities with Project 6 in a combined ‘Genome Diagnostics’ project.

Milestones for the period after 30 June 2004

• Analysis of subset of population samples using SNP chip technology.

• Analysis of the SNP chip data.

• Screening of SNPs significantly associated with phenotype in a larger population group.

http://diagnosticscrc.org/education/students.html

Genetic basis of human pigmentation variation
Levi CARROLL
Location: School of Life Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane
Supervisors: A. van Daal, P. Morris (QUT)
Start date: 20 January, 2003
Scholarship: QUTAPA + CDxPRA Top-up expires 19 January, 2006
Thesis: Max submission date 19 January, 2007
Contact information: Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Genetic basis of human height variation
Shea CARTER
Location: School of Life Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane
Supervisors: A. van Daal, P. Morris (QUT)
Start date: March 18, 2002
Scholarship: QUTPRA plus CDx Top-up expires March 17, 2005
Thesis: Max submission date 17 March, 2006
Contact information: Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

The role of TWIST and RGFR1 pathways in calvarial suture fusion and their influence on skull vault morphology
Anna COUSSENS
Location: School of Life Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane
Supervisors: A. van Daal, A. Crampton (QUT)
Start date: 31 March, 2003
Scholarship: QUTPRA plus QUT VC'sInitiative expires 30 March, 2006
Thesis: Max submission date 30 March, 2007
Contact information: Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Genetic basis of human age
Justin GRAF
Location: School of Life Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane
Supervisors: A. van Daal (QUT); M. Fenech (CSIRO)
Industry contact: M. Fenech (CSIRO)
Start date: 24 February, 2003
Scholarship: QUT PRA + CDx Top-up expires 23 Feb 2006
Thesis: Max submission date 23 Feb 2007
Contact information: Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Utility of Whole Genome Amplification (WGA) for sample archiving, forensics and diagnostics
Firman (Iman) MUHARAM
Location: School of Life Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane
Supervisors: A. van Daal, R. Hodgson (QUT)
Industry contact: L. Westacott (QML)
Start date: March 3, 2003
Scholarship: Nil
Thesis: Max submission date March 2, 2005
Contact information: Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

Molecular markers of obesity
Chris SWAGELL
Location: School of Life Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane
Supervisors: P. Morris, A. van Daal (QUT); D. Henly (UQ)
Start date: April 1, 2000
Scholarship: PhD - full CDxPRA expires 30 September, 2003
Thesis: Max submission date 31 March, 2004
Contact information: Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]