Targeted genomics
The first step involves identifying gene variants associated with the development of metabolic diseases.
In partnership with Māori and Pacific groups and researchers, the Maurice Wilkins Centre has undertaken studies that have identified associations between clinical indicators of metabolic health and gene variants enriched in Māori and Pacific peoples. This has allowed the identification of gene variants associated with health issues important to their communities. The phenotyping, functional studies and pharmacogenetic studies will then identify how such genetic information could potentially be used clinically to improve health outcomes. This section of the MWCs work will focus on the next stage in this process which will be to understand what types of targeted genomic technologies and what protocols for data access and use will be appropriate for using this information in real world settings.