EDGI is a world-first genome-wide association study conducted in collaboration with QIMR Berghofer and international researchers. It aims to identify the hundreds of genes contributing to Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and ARFID, to enable more targeted, personalised interventions and earlier detection in high-risk groups.
Aims
The EDGI study aims to identify the hundreds of genes that contribute to a person’s risk of developing Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN), Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). This study will reveal, and already is revealing, the building blocks of illness leading to new targets for drug development, treatments, to enable earlier intervention in high-risk groups, and ultimately save lives. Together with a consortium of international partners, we are seeking 50,000 genetic samples from affected individuals to approach sufficient power to detect with certainty.
Aims
InsideOut, in collaboration with QIMR Berghofer and international researchers from the USA, Sweden, and Denmark, are conducting world-first genome-wide association studies to uncover the genes associated with AN (the ANGI study) and other eating disorders (the EDGI study). The program has already identified eight genes likely involved in AN which have dramatically altered understanding and research agendas. Identifying genetic and neurochemical pathways will allow us to better understand the interaction between the biological, psychological and social influences on eating disorders and revolutionise our approach to treatment and early intervention in high-risk groups.
Recruitment open: https://edgi.org.au/
The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI): study protocol
Bulik, C. M., Thornton, L. M., Parker, R., Kennedy, H., Baker, J. H., MacDermod, C., Guintivano, J., Cleland, L., Miller, A. L., Harper, L., Larsen, J. T., Yilmaz, Z., Grove, J., Sullivan, P. F., Petersen, L. V., Jordan, J., Kennedy, M. A., & Martin, N. G.
BMC Psychiatry.
21(1): 234.
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