Helping people make sense of their stories: launch of the Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics
7 July 2023
On Wednesday 28 June we welcomed colleagues and guests to the Hadyn Ellis Building to celebrate our launch as a Cardiff University Centre, after ten years of funding from the Medical Research Council (MRC), and to share our plans for the next ten years of research.
Watch our launch video
The next ten years of the CNGG
Speakers from across the CNGG delivered talks across three key research themes: neurodegenerative disorders, psychosis and major affective disorders, and developmental psychiatry and was opened by Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan.
Before sharing the successes of the centre over the past decade, founding director of the CNGG Professor Sir Michael Owen paid tribute to the late Professor Lesley Jones and Dr Lesley Bates who sadly passed away last year.
Professor Sir Owen mentioned the Centre’s recruitment of the largest cohort of those with rare neurodevelopmental genetic conditions and the identification of over 280 genes across disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar, dementia, and ADHD.
“Genomics is the gift that will keep on giving over the next ten years, I am sure.”
CNGG Director Professor James Walters outlined the plans for the next ten years of the Centre, which will continue to research genetic risk factors across the lifespan and develop a better patient journey by conducting research into underrepresented groups from outside of the UK.
“The Centre’s funding under the MRC has allowed us to attract the best scientists in the world, and I hope that the ongoing Cardiff University Centre will allow us to do this to the same extent, the support and funding we’ve received has been fundamental.”
Dr Samuel Chawner and Dr Joanna Martin represented the Neurodevelopmental work of the centre, including research into the genomics of Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) where rare chromosomal deletions and duplications in people with ADHD were discovered for the first time in 2010.
Building on these findings, Drs Chawner and Martin highlighted the work of early career researchers at the centre that will continue genomic research into child and adolescent mental health across a wider range of diagnoses and conditions, such as eating disorders, depression, and sleep difficulties.
One gene at a time
Illustrating the centres research into psychosis and major affective disorders, Dr Antonio Pardiñas discussed pharmacogenomics and the use of genes to predict how an individual will react to particular antipsychotic medication.
To develop this body of research, one of the research aims is to continue to build a large set of data through external collaborations, such as a current project with Akrivia Health.
Dr Pardiñas also noted the research of Professor Arianna Di Florio into the reclassification of postpartum psychosis through identifying specific genes that distinguish symptoms from bipolar disorder.
“We need to be big at promoting how these discoveries we are making can inform new therapeutics”.
Leading neurodegenerative research themes at the Centre, Dr Tom Massey and Dr Rebecca Sims noted significant previous discoveries, such as 92 genes related to Alzheimer’s which was made possible from a sample size of 100,000 participants.
“What we’ve really taken home from these findings is the biology that underpins this research.”
Drs Sims and Massey hope that by looking into the biology of other neurodegenerative diagnoses such as Dementia, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease across the Centre will allow researchers to understand how this can translate into clinical use and drug development.
The importance of public involvement
Dr Sarah Rees introduced the ongoing role of public involvement at the centre and in order to demonstrate the importance of public involvement not just from a research perspective but a personal one, she introduced Jacqui Campbell who has lived experience of mental ill-health and has been involved with the Centre’s work for several years.
“My hopes for the future of brain and mental health research are for a better understanding of conditions which will lead to better outcomes in prevention and early intervention.
"Where conditions cannot be delayed or prevented, I would like to see a better functioning system where we don’t see patients like me struggling to receive a diagnosis or the right treatment, or families fighting for a diagnosis and support and feeling isolated when faced with a neurodegenerative diagnosis, like my mum.
“What I would say to anyone who wants to get involved in mental health research, is that you have so much to offer. Your experience is unique and it matters.”
Functional genomics and DNA sequencing – what’s next?
Professor Nick Bray and Dr Elliott Rees introduced CNGG research into sequencing studies and functional genomics, and how this will impact our understanding of mental health conditions over the next ten years through the ability to examine underlying biology and mechanisms.
The use of DNA sequencing which can help to identify rare and high impact mutations by providing valuable insight into the biology of mental health conditions and the hopes for this to inform clinical practise.
“When thinking about these rare types of mutations, we’ve only just scratched the surface in terms of gene discovery.”
Over the next ten years, Dr Rees emphasised the need for more global collaborations to increase sample sizes and in turn rare gene discoveries.
With regard to functional genomics, Professor Nick Bray outlined the centre’s plans which include single-cell technologies which will allow for greater understanding of the molecular cellular mechanisms of wide-ranging disorders and conditions.
Translating discoveries: from the lab to the clinic
Following the centre’s Copy Number Variant (CNV ) discoveries, Dr Kimberley Kendall discussed how these genetic findings can be relayed back to the individuals who carry them, through the development of the All-Wales Psychiatric Genomics Service.
Over the previous decade, a lot of the research conducted into CNVs, and the risk of schizophrenia has been done at the CNGG, with around 10 being identified.
The All-Wales Psychiatric Genomics Service provides genetic counselling to those affected by rare or inherited genetic conditions, including families.
Since its launch in June 2022, the service has received 35 referrals, which includes 20 from NHS mental health referrals, and is the first clinic of its kind in the UK.
Putting it into context – the future of CNGG research at Cardiff University
Professor Jeremy Hall rounded off the day of discussions by providing an overview of the collaborations the CNGG already work with, such as the National Centre for Mental Health which links to the NHS and the Hodge Foundation.
“Through current and future partnerships, Cardiff will be seen as the centre for investment and development in mental health research for the next generation of clinical activity for undertreated conditions.”
If you are a member of staff at Cardiff University presentation recordings are available to watch on Panopto. Contact psychmedcomms@cardiff.ac.uk.