A longitudinal study of depression, anxiety, substance use and cognitive change: PATH Through Life
We investigate how genetic variation, and gene-environmental interactions cause people to decline, physically and mentally, at different rates as they age. The study is based on two large, well-studied, community-based samples of people in their 40s and 60s. The results contribute to knowledge needed to improve the way health is managed across the lifespan.

Collaborators:
Kaarin Anstey, Helen Christensen, Kathy Griffiths, Peter Butterworth, Nic Cherbuin,
Centre for Mental Health Research, ANU
Andrew Mackinnon, Tony Jorm.
ORYGEN Research Centre & Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne.
Perminder Sachdev, Wei Wen.
Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital & University of New South Wales.

Evolution of behavioural, personality and cognitive diversity in humans
We investigate how natural selection has shaped human psychological diversity by analysing sequence variation of genes encoding components of the dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways and the oxytocin and vasopressin receptors. We analyse the impact of adaptive sequence variation on gene expression patterns in the cortex and on cognitive, behavioural and neuroanatomical traits and diagnostic measures of mental illness in large population-based studies. Individual psychological differences have a major impact on health throughout life. Our research on the biological basis of these differences and how they have evolved through the interplay of genes and culture will improve our ability to accommodate diversity in maximizing individual potential, improving health management across the lifespan and reducing late-life morbidity.

Collaborators:
Gavin Huttley & Rohan Williams,
JCSMR, ANU
Daniel MacArthur & Lars Jermiin
The University of Sydney

Identifying the causes of germline mutation
We compare genome sequences from different species to study the relative importance of different processes underlying mutations in DNA and to investigate how these are related to differences in the germlines of males and females. The project is providing knowledge essential for understanding the factors that contribute to the wide range of debilitating inherited conditions and for devising effective preventative and diagnostic strategies.

Collaborator:
Gavin Huttley
JCSMR, ANU