NEUROGENETICS
Silvia Paracchini Research GroupSilvia Paracchini
We are studying the genetic basis of complex cognitive and behavioural phenotypes. In particular we focus on the biology of dyslexia, a specific impairment in learning to read which is caused in large part by genetic factors. We are also interested in cognitive traits related to dyslexia such as general reading and language abilities.
More recently we have become interested in handedness and in a complex link between dyslexia and laterality. We are using large scale screening involving genome-wide and functional genomics approaches to identify candidate genes or loci underlying these phenotypes. In parallel we are developing functional assays to understand the biological mechanisms that mediate genetic differences to phenotypic variation.
Recent news
New Paper!
New study led by Rebeca Diaz and Nils Krononberg reporting the characterisation of the KIAA0319 using a combination of biophotonics and cell biology assays is now out in Scientific Reports. Our work shows a role of this gene in cilia biology and in mediating...
New Paper!
The latest review on dyslexia genetics written with Florina Erbeli and Marianne Rice is now available at https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/12/1/27
New preprint!
The largest genetic screening for reading and language measures conducted to date is now out in preprint https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.11.04.466897v1. The results report on data collected over decades by the GenLang consortium a truly international and...
New award!
We are grateful to the RSE for supporting our proposal aimed at setting up a new network in the field of learning disorders. This is an exciting collaboration with Dr Michelle Luciano at the University of Edinburgh. See more here...
PhD opportunity in our lab
Application are open for a 4 year fully funded PhD project to study the genomics and evolution of cognitive abilities. This is a collaboration with Sonja Vernes and Andy Lynch. Get in touch at sp58@st-andrews.ac.uk for any queries. More details here:...
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