Usha Kini

My research is inspired by a need to deliver patient benefit through enhanced diagnostics, improved understanding of the genetic basis of rare disease (particularly neurodevelopmental disorders, epilepsy and congenital malformations including structural brain abnormalities and orofacial clefting) and thereby formulating a path to driving targeted therapy and personalised medicine. We used advanced genetic technologies which enabled the discovery of several novel genes causing human disease such as PI4KA, HNRNPK, SOX11 and numerous GPI-Anchor Pathway genes including PGAP3, PIGY and PIGH. More extensive work on the GPI-AP has led to better understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlations and phenotypic spectrum in this pathway. My research has actively contributed to the characterisation of several new neurodevelopmental disorders caused by newly described genes, for example, USP9X, DDX3X, GATAD2B, SATB1. My group has also been studying the molecular networks involved in orofacial clefting and speech disorders by examining data available from large-scale genetics studies such as Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD). Following on from this we have embarked upon a journey of exploring new neurodevelopmental disorders linked to the SATB pathway. I also lead the Genseize project which is a transformation project (funded by NHSE via Central and South Genomic Medicine Service Alliance) which aims at offering sophisticated genetic testing to all patients with primary epilepsy. This project is an exemplar of engagement of primary care, community care and patient groups in delivering equity of access to genomic testing in the underserved populations. Understanding the natural history of rare diseases is important in developing objective measurable outcomes for therapeutic trials. I am the Principal Investigator for the NatHis Angelman Syndrome study UK (funded by the support group charity FAST UK). This study is being carried out in readiness for clinical trials.