ProfessorGreg Neely

Functional Genomics:Our lab is focused on the systematic functional annotation of the genome. The long-term objective of our research is to identify genes and coding mutations that participate in major age-related and neurological diseases. Our overall research strategy is to combine human population genomics (GWAS or sequencing) data with high throughput functional validation in fruit flies and mammalian systems to identify new genes that contribute to human disease.

Our Lab has developed novel functional genomics strategies that we use to identify genes involved in various normal or disease states. Currently we have projects that relate to pain perception, neurodegeneration, lifespan and cancer. In the end our goal is to rapidly improve patient treatment, and many of the new genes we have identified appear to be viable drug targets.

Gene x environment interactions:While our genetics certainly influence what diseases we may be susceptible to, many major human diseases are increasing at a rate faster than genetics alone can explain. Thus an emerging research interest in our lab is what environmental factors are contributing to human disease, and how do our genes interact with these factors to cause disease in some but not others.

Professor Neely's research aligns with the Faculty of Science Research Strengths - Understanding Life on Earth, Brain Behaviour and Cognition, Complex Systems, Fundamental Laws of Nature, Fundamental Laws of Nature, Understanding Life on Earth, Next Generation Materials.