What is functional genomics?
Studying gene function to understand the impact of disease-associated genetic variants
Functional genomics is a rapidly evolving field of research and is already transforming care for patients by improving screening and diagnosis, care and personalised treatments. The UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative will help to improve our understanding of the role that genetic variation plays in human disease.
Functional genomics is at the forefront of understanding how genes and their products, such as Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) and proteins, drive biological processes and shape an individual’s phenotype. This innovative field focuses on uncovering the mechanisms behind diseases, identifying promising therapeutic targets, and exploring how genetic variations influence traits or disorders. By linking genes to specific biological functions, functional genomics plays a critical role in advancing personalised medicine.
To achieve these insights, our researchers will use cutting-edge, high-throughput techniques, including:
Studying gene function in relevant cell types and at precise stages of development is crucial for unravelling the impact of disease-associated genetic variations. These approaches offer transformative potential for drug discovery and treatment development. By analysing the genes and biological pathways involved in diseases, functional genomics provides invaluable guidance for identifying and developing new, targeted therapies.
