Sequencing the genome was only the first step in our quest to understand how genes are expressed and regulated. Sitting above the DNA sequence is a second layer of information (the 'epigenome') that regulates several genomic functions, including when and where genes are turned-on or -off. 'Epigenetics' refers to the reversible regulation of gene expression mediated principally through changes in DNA methylation and chromatin structure. Epigenetic processes are essential for normal cellular development and differentiation, and allow the regulation of gene function through non-mutagenic mechanisms. Unlike the DNA sequence, which is stable and strongly conserved, epigenetic processes can be tissue-specific, developmentally-regulated and dynamic. For example, mounting evidence suggests that epigenetic processes can be influenced by exposure to factors in the environment.

Epigenetic dysfunction can explain numerous epidemiological, clinical, and molecular peculiarities associated with psychiatric disorders that are difficult to rectify using traditional gene- and environment-based approaches. These include the incomplete concordance between MZ twins, a fluctuating disease course with periods of remission and relapse, periods of environmental sensitivity, sexual dimorphism, peaks of susceptibility to disease coinciding with major hormonal rearrangements, and parent-of-origin effects. Our group utilizes cutting-edge methods to explore the role of epigenetic processes in complex disease phenotypes, with a particular focus on neuropsychiatric disorders. Current areas of research include:

1. Genome wide investigations of DNA methylation in post-mortem brain tissue for disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism and Alzheimer's disorder
2. Investigating the role of epigenetic variation in mediating phenotypic/disease discordance between genetically-identical individuals (i.e. monozygotic twins, inbred animals)
3. Elucidating how external environmental factors mediate long-term changes in gene expression via epigenetic alterations
4. Identifying novel imprinted regions of the genome, and their role in mediating parent-of-origin effects in psychiatric disorders
5. Exploring interactions between the epigenome and inherited DNA sequence variation, with the aim of undertaking an integrated genetic-epigenetic approach to disease
6. Uncovering the mechanism(s) linking advanced paternal age to the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders

Our research is split across two institutions, with labs based at the University of Exeter Medical School (from September 2012) and the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London.

Our research is primarily aimed at investigating the role of epigenetic processes in complex disease phenotypes. Although we are particularly focused on neuropsychiatric phenotypes, our research spans the spectrum of biomedical disease phenotypes.

We employ a range of cutting-edge genomics approaches to examine the epigenome. We are interested in identifying the epigenetic correlates of disease, and exploring the mechanisms behind gene-environment interplay.