Dr Frances Williams
Dr Frances MK Williams
Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology
Division of Genetics & Molecular Medicine
Email: frances.williams@kcl.ac.uk
Research Aims
The main aim is to shed light on the common conditions affecting the largest proportion of society. We have broad research interests into the genetic epidemiology of a number of common complex traits particularly those causing chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis of the spine and osteoporosis. In addition we work on age-related hearing impairment and stroke.
The main focus is on degenerative musculoskeletal diseases:
- low back pain
- intervertebral disc degeneration
- chronic widespread pain
Our work aims to identify genetic variants - single base pair or methylation - accounting for the variation in expression of these disease phenotypes. We are utilising the new technologies available in TwinsUK to the benefit of common conditions, aiming to find novel biomarkers. The ultimate aim is to understand better the cellular pathways involved and thereby identify novel therapeutic targets.