Multi-omic signatures of CVD in Aboriginal Australians (OSCA)

Project Lead

Professor Alex Brown, Australian National University

Project Team

Dr Jimmy Breen, ANU; Dr Stephen Pederson, Telethon Kids; Dr Katharine McBride, Telethon Kids; Dr Natasha Howard, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute; Prof Leonard Kritharides, University of Sydney; Prof Louise Maple-Brown, Menzies School of Health Research; Prof Elizabeth Barr, Menzies School of Health Research; Prof Stephen Nicholls, Monash University; Prof Jason Kovacic, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute

Project Summary

Problem

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a significant health challenge for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia, with higher rates and more aggressive progression compared to non-Indigenous populations. Traditional risk factors fail to fully explain these disparities, necessitating an exploration of molecular, social, and psychological contributors.

Alex Brown

Solution

This study aims to elucidate the multifaceted determinants of CVD in Indigenous Australians by leveraging advanced multi-omic techniques. The project will analyse the interplay of CVD with social, clinical, psychological, and genomic factors, identifying genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic signatures associated with CVD. It seeks to develop accurate risk prediction tools tailored to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations and explore novel biomarkers and pathways to inform the development of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.

Impact

By integrating multi-omic data with comprehensive clinical and social information, this study addresses significant gaps in CVD risk assessment and prediction among Indigenous Australians. Utilising a cohort of 1389 Aboriginal adults from South Australia, the project employs advanced techniques such as whole genome sequencing, DNA methylation analysis, RNA sequencing, and metabolomics profiling. This comprehensive approach enables the identification of novel biomarkers and pathways associated with CVD risk and progression.

The findings have the potential to inform precision medicine approaches, addressing health inequalities and reducing the burden of CVD in high-risk populations. The study's outcomes could lead to personalised prevention strategies and novel diagnostics, ultimately improving public health. Extensive engagement with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders ensures the project's success, with ongoing communication and dissemination of results empowering communities and informing policy and practice. This holistic approach aims to achieve equitable health outcomes for Indigenous Australians.