Human genetics work at Edinburgh University gets £53m boost

Studies on genetic links to health and disease have received a £53m boost from the Medical Research Council (MRC). The funds will support work at the MRC Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh for the next five years.

Scientists are using the latest technologies to study how genes work and to uncover the genetic basis of both rare and common diseases.

Experts are examining the entire genetic make-up of patients and their families. They aim to discover how variations in people’s DNA code can lead to diseases, including those that affect childhood development.

Researchers are also investigating how genes are switched on and off to reveal how these processes contribute to diseases such as cancer and brain and eye disorders.

Prof Wendy Bickmore, director of the MRC Human Genetics Unit, said: “The scale and long-term nature of this funding from the Medical Research Council will enable our scientists to tackle the most challenging questions in human genetics.

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