- Overview
-
My research seeks to understand how genomic variation contributes to rare, human conditions, particularly those resulting in intellectual disability. I also am interested in describing and expanding the phenotype (i.e., observable traits) of currently annotated conditions. Many of my current projects focus on how genomic variation is detected and interpreted for diagnostics, as well as the health services by which we deliver genetic testing and variant interpretation.
- Publications
-
Clinical presentation of calmodulin mutations: the International Calmodulinopathy Registry
European Heart Journal
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehad418
2023The practice of genomic medicine: A delineation of the process and its governing principles
Frontiers in Medicine
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1071348
2023NOTCH1 loss of the TAD and PEST domain: An antimorph?
American Journal of Medical Genetics, Part A
DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63167
2023Mitofusin 2 Variant Presenting With a Phenotype of Multiple System Atrophy of Cerebellar Subtype
Neurology: Genetics
DOI: 10.1212/NXG.0000000000200114
2023CTCF governs the identity and migration of MGE-derived cortical interneurons
Journal of Neuroscience
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3496-17.2018
2019GnRH neuron-specific ablation of G aq/11 results in only partial inactivation of the neuroendocrine-reproductive axis in both male and female mice: In vivo evidence for kiss1r-coupled G aq/11-independent GnRH secretion
Journal of Neuroscience
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0041-15.2015
2015Implantation failure in female Kiss1-/- mice is independent of their hypogonadic state and can be partially rescued by leukemia inhibitory factor
Endocrinology
DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1916
2014Dual effect of CTCF loss on neuroprogenitor differentiation and survival
Journal of Neuroscience
DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3769-13.2014
2014Genetic variation in the KIAA0319 5' region as a possible contributor to dyslexia
Behavior Genetics
DOI: 10.1007/s10519-010-9434-1
2011Genetic ablation of CD36 does not alter mouse brain polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations
Lipids
DOI: 10.1007/s11745-010-3398-z
2010 - Research
-
Re-analysis of genomic data (undiagnosed patients)
We are finding that diagnoses were missed in about 10% due to pipeline differences. Through this project, several themes emerged as common pitfalls, including non-parsimony and unclear variant/ disease mechanisms, which lead to incorrect clinical conclusions. In addition, the undiagnosed patient population appears to be enriched for dual molecular diagnoses.Optimizing pathways for genomic testing and diagnosis
It is not clear what technologies, testing, and processes allow for timely diagnoses. I have several projects seeking to understand best practices in these areas to improve diagnostic yield and time-to-diagnosis.Follow-up of diagnosed patients for the purpose of collecting unbiased natural history
We will establish a clinical patient database at the Provincial Medical Genetics Program to support health services and track patients longitudinally. The outcomes will improve our understanding of these rare conditions and the accuracy of information provided to families at time of diagnosis. I hope that ultimately tracking patients systematically allows for redirecting of patients to precision therapies.
BCCHR research could help set new international standard for young children receiving bone marrow transplants
The findings from a BCCHR study played a part in integrating the multiple breath washout test into recent recommendations to screen children for pulmonary chronic graft-versus-host disease, a lung complication that can affect children who undergo a bone marrow transplant.
