Tim Aitman Research Group

Research in a Nutshell

The Aitman lab’s research combines the use of classical genetics with modern cutting edge genome technologies such as whole-genome-sequencing and epigenome analysis to unravel the genetics of both common and rare human disorders. These include common syndromes of insulin resistance that predispose to diabetes and heart disease, and autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus. The combined use of linkage analysis and microarray-based expression profiling led to identification of genes predisposing to insulin resistance (Cd36) systemic lupus (Fcgr3) and cardiac hypertrophy (Ogn). The Aitman lab also led the sequencing and the first evolutionary analysis of rat genomes, identifying artificial selection pressures underlying any disease phenotype.

In the clinical setting, the group has used next generation sequencing to detect the genetic basis of NHS patients with a range of rare diseases including familial hypercholesterolaemia, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, nephrotic syndrome, thoracic aortic aneurysm and motor neurone disease.

In collaboration with the CRUK Edinburgh Centre, the Genome Medicine Group is developing new methods for analysis of cell-free DNA, for diagnosis and stratification of cancer. Integrated use of high throughput sequencing and digital droplet PCR, for analysis of somatic mutations and epimutations specific to breast, kidney and head/neck cancer, will aim to provide enhanced diagnostic molecular markers in early and late-stage cancer.

In collaboration with Professor Mark Bradley, Professor Tim Aitman founded the company BioCaptiva, which spun-out from the University in April 2021, from funding from the investment syndicate Archangel Investment Ltd, Cancer Research UK and Scottish Enterprise.  

• Professors Siddharthan Chandran and Colin Smith, University of Edinburgh
• Professors Margaret Frame, Charlie Gourley and Dr Olga Oikonomidou, University of Edinburgh
• Professor Mary Porteous, NHS Lothian and University of Edinburgh
• Professor John Mullins, University of Edinburgh
• Professors Josef Penninger, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Vienna and Michael Schneider, Imperial College, London
• Professors Andrew Biankin, University of Glasgow and Zofia Miedzybrodzka, University of Aberdeen
• Professors Mark Arends and Simon Herrington, University of Edinburgh
• Professor Colin Semple, University of Edinburgh

• Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Scottish Chief Scientist Office (CSO)
• European Research Council (ERC)
• CRUK Edinburgh Centre
• AstraZeneca
• Illumina
• Biogen