CamFest Speaker Spotlight: Dr Anna Moore

Assistant Professor of Child Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and programme lead, Dr Anna Moore, discusses the NIHR BioResource’s national childhood health research programme, D-CYPHR. The groundbreaking programme is a world first and aims to be the largest ever DNA research programme involving children aged 0-15.  This is ahead of the online event, D-CYPHRing DNA and the power of spit on 27 March.    

What is DNA and how does it affect our health and development?
Each of our cells contains DNA, the protein based code which provides the cells with instructions on how to work. Each piece of information is carried on a different section of DNA – these sections are called genes. Every second of every day your cells are using the instructions from your genes to keep your body working. Genes tell your cells which molecules to make – the central process to start all the proteins, antibodies, hormones and other things your body needs. Problems with our genes can lead to ill-health. This is why genes are so important to health research. We are only at the beginning of finding out the many ways in which genetics affect our health and mental health - it is a very exciting time. 

How do you collect a child’s DNA?
We collect DNA through a spit sample. The child or young person spits in a tube and from this we can extract thousands and thousands of cells with DNA. This is why it is so important to brush your teeth first and not eat for 30 minutes before - the NIHR BioResource famously once had a spit sample full of salmon DNA from someone's lunch. 

How would having a child’s DNA help to develop treatments and better care in the future? Do you have examples of the kind of treatments you would be looking to develop?
Understanding the genetics of children is hugely important to helping us understand both normal development, and the origins of ill health which can start in childhood, but affect throughout our lives. We know more about the functioning of the genes of the fruit fly (most commonly studied in genetics) than how children’s genes affect their health. In the future we’ll be able to identify illnesses early, avoid unnecessary medical tests and help people access treatment and support sooner.

In my field of work (I am a Paediatric Psychiatrist) we know there are huge advances to be made in which medicines and psychological treatments for mental health will work for a patient. But this can be applied to any area, such as diabetes, heart conditions or immune conditions. As a doctor, I hope to be able to know which treatment or care plan will work best for children and young people before they start treatment. This will make healthcare a lot better and faster for everyone.  

Is the D-CYPHR programme open to all children and young people in the UK?
Yes. It is open to every child aged 0 - 15, with and without health problems, across the whole UK. This is really important, as healthcare advances need to be for the benefit of everyone, and so we need people of all communities and all health types to get involved. Families have also been involved in shaping the programme, and we have a young and parent ambassador group who help us, both behind the scenes and as advocates – you may even have seen some of them in the media! 

Once collected, is the sample anonymous?
One of the most important parts of our research is that the sample and health information have all personal details removed. To join the resource they get a unique barcode instead. The samples join thousands of others for study and the research findings are anonymous. 

Why is it so important to get as many children and young people participating as possible?
There are two reasons why it is important for as many children and young people to get involved as possible. The first is health equity. This is a big problem: most gene and tissue banks have over 90% white European DNA. This means research using these data sets are mostly beneficial for people of this descent, which isn't good enough at all. We are fixing that by getting many communities involved in our programme – we have a strong emphasis on involvement from everyone. 

The second reason is the health emergency facing today's families. By 2040, the Health Foundation estimates that over 9.1 million people will have chronic poor health. Many will be today's young people. Nationally we need much better care, more effective treatments, and even ways to avoid ill health. This needs to translate into policy, so that children can have healthier lives and better outcomes. Our research will be contributing to this - and it can't come fast enough.