SHADES OF GREY

Twins Registry To Benefit Queenslanders

A proposed Queensland based twin registry, QTwin, will boost local scientists’ efforts into finding the genetic and environmental causes of many diseases affecting Queenslanders such as melanoma and other skin cancers. The registry will be managed at QIMR by the Genetic Epidemiology Group, headed by Professor Nick Martin.

Designed to provide researchers with a database for recruiting willing participants, QTwin is planned to serve as a forum for people to register their interest in partaking in current/future studies, as well as for scientists to share recent findings with colleagues and participants.

Twin studies are paving the way in genetic research, and Professor Martin says that the aim of his team’s projects is to understand what causes the differences between people in their behaviour, habits and risk of developing disease.

"If we can show that a characteristic is largely caused by environmental factors, there is a greater chance that we can identify which aspects of the environment can be changed to improve it, such as diet, sun exposure and infections," Professor Martin said.

Current studies include investigating the genetic links with melanoma, endometriosis, gambling, alcoholism, anxiety and asthma.

If you would like to participate in the studies, know of someone who would be interested in participating or would like more information, please contact QIMR’s Genetic Epidemiology group on free-call 1800 257 179 or visit http://genepi.qimr.edu.au.

LifeLab Autumn 2006