Project seeks genetic markers of heart disease in Indigenous Australians: Heart Foundation grant

Professor Nagaraj said the project would define the genetic basis of CVD in remote Indigenous Australian populations using whole genome sequencing and while providing a role for an Indigenous student to undertake research.

“Indigenous Australians are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD) and experience a high burden of CVD and related conditions, such as kidney disease,” said Professor Nagaraj who will work with Indigenous QUT researcher Makayla Renouf.

“Although CVD is highly heritable and imposes considerable suffering, social and family dislocation, and huge healthcare costs, the genetic bases of these diseases are not well understood.

“Despite the heritability of CVD and other chronic diseases, Indigenous Australians have been grossly under-represented in population-level genomic research.”

Professor Nagaraj said the project was designed to train and build research and clinical capacity among collaborating partners and affected communities.

“Ms Renouf will receive extensive training in genomic data analysis to identify genes influencing CVD and advanced DNA sequencing techniques as well as ethical considerations specific to genomic research, focusing on respect for Indigenous cultural values and community engagement.”

Professor Nagaraj said gaining an understanding of genetic factors related to CVD would help provide at-risk people with prevention strategies and aid the delivery of personalised treatment and new therapeutics.

“This project has the strong potential to influence government policies on genetic health for Indigenous peoples,” he said.

“The foundational insights from this study will lead to larger, more rigorous pioneering cross validation studies by extending to other Indigenous communities nationally and internationally.”

The chief investigators on this project are Professor Nagaraj, Professor Alex Brown from Australian National University, Dr Anne Lagendijk from The University of Queensland, senior Aboriginal Elder and ceremonial leader of the Tiwi Islands Mr Pirra Puruntatameri, and Tiwi Islands Elder Therese Bourke.

(Image: Associate Professor Shivashankar, Makayla Renouf)

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