Professor Anthony Isles

Athro, Is-adran Meddygaeth Seicolegol a Niwrowyddorau Clinigol

: IslesAR1@caerdydd.ac.uk
: +44 29206 88467
: Adeilad Hadyn Ellis, Ystafell 2.48, Heol Maendy, Caerdydd, CF24 4HQ

: Sylwebydd y cyfryngau
: Ar gael fel goruchwyliwr ôl-raddedig

I am a molecular and behavioural neuroscientist interested in the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to brain and behaviour. In particular, we are investigating an intriguing family of genes, the imprinted genes, which are subject to epigenetic control acquired during development resulting in expression from one parental copy (allele) only. The research is focused on addressing what these imprinted genes are doing in the brain and how they may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Date
Type

2022

Higgs, M., Hill, M., John, R. and Isles, A. 2022. Systematic investigation of imprinted gene expression and enrichment in the mouse brain explored at single-cell resolution. BMC Genomics 23, article number: 754. (10.1186/s12864-022-08986-8)
Alsaqati, M. et al. 2022. NRSF/REST lies at the intersection between epigenetic regulation, miRNA-mediated gene control and neurodevelopmental pathways associated with Intellectual disability (ID) and Schizophrenia. Translational Psychiatry 12, article number: 438. (10.1038/s41398-022-02199-z)
Clifton, N. et al. 2022. Developmental disruption to the cortical transcriptome and synaptosome in a model of SETD1A loss-of-function. Human Molecular Genetics 31(18), pp. 3095-3106. (10.1093/hmg/ddac105)
Isles, A. R. 2022. The contribution of imprinted genes to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Translational Psychiatry 12, article number: 210. (10.1038/s41398-022-01972-4)
Pregnolato, S., Sabir, H., Luyt, K., Rienecker, K. D. A., Isles, A. R. and Chakkarapani, E. 2022. Regulation of glutamate transport and neuroinflammation in a term newborn rat model of hypoxic–ischaemic brain injury. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 6, pp. 1-13. (10.1177/23982128221097568)

2021

Harrison, D. J. et al. 2021. Placental endocrine insufficiency programs anxiety, deficits in cognition and atypical social behaviour in offspring. Human Molecular Genetics 30(19), pp. 1863-1880., article number: ddab154. (10.1093/hmg/ddab154)
Zahova, S., Humby, T., Davies, J., Morgan, J. E. and Isles, A. 2021. Comparison of mouse models reveals a molecular distinction between psychotic illness in PWS and schizophrenia. Translational Psychiatry 11, article number: 433. (10.1038/s41398-021-01561-x)
Clift, J., Cooke, A., Isles, A. R., Dalley, J. W. and Henson, R. N. 2021. Lifting the lid on impact and peer review. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 5, pp. 1-7. (10.1177/23982128211006574)

2020

Dent, C. L., Rienecker, K. D. A., Ward, A., Wilkins, J. F., Humby, T. and Isles, A. R. 2020. Mice lacking paternal expression of imprinted 1 Grb10 are risk-takers. Genes, Brain and Behavior 19(7), article number: e12679. (10.1111/gbb.12679)
Davis, B., David, F., O’Regan, C., Adam, M., Harwood, A., Crunelli, V. and Isles, A. 2020. Impairments in sensory-motor gating and information processing in a mouse model of Ehmt1 haploinsufficiency. Brain and Neuroscience Advances 4 (10.1177/2398212820928647)
Harrison, D. J. et al. 2020. Unified behavioral scoring for preclinical models. Frontiers in Neuroscience 14, article number: 313. (10.3389/fnins.2020.00313)
Rienecker, K., Chavasse, A., Moorwood, K., Ward, A. and Isles, A. 2020. Detailed analysis of paternal knockout Grb10 mice suggests effects on stability of social behavior, rather than social dominance. Genes, Brain and Behavior 19(1), article number: e12571. (10.1111/gbb.12571)

2019

Davies, J. R., Wilkinson, L. S., Isles, A. R. and Humby, T. 2019. Prader-Willi syndrome imprinting centre deletion mice have impaired baseline and 5-HT2CR-mediated response inhibition. Human Molecular Genetics 28(18), pp. 3013-3023. (10.1093/hmg/ddz100)
Pregnolato, S., Chakkarapani, E., Isles, A. R. and Luyt, K. 2019. Glutamate Transport and Preterm Brain Injury. Frontiers in Physiology 10, article number: 417. (10.3389/fphys.2019.00417)
Creeth, H. D. J., McNamara, G. I., Isles, A. R. and John, R. M. 2019. Imprinted genes influencing the quality of maternal care. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 53, article number: 100732. (10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.12.003)
Tucci, V. et al. 2019. Genomic imprinting and physiological processes in mammals. Cell 176(5), pp. 952-965. (10.1016/j.cell.2019.01.043)
Isles, A. R., Winstanley, C. A. and Humby, T. 2019. Risk taking and impulsive behaviour: fundamental discoveries, theoretical perspectives and clinical implications. Philosophical Transactions B: Biological Sciences 374(1766), pp. -., article number: 128. (10.1098/rstb.2018.0128)
Isles, A. R. and John, R. M. 2019. Genomic imprinting and neurobehavioral programming by adverse early life environments: evidence from studying Cdkn1c. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 25, pp. 31-35. (10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.06.008)

2015

Escott-Price, V., Kirov, G., Rees, E., Isles, A. R., Owen, M. J. and O'Donovan, M. C. 2015. No evidence for enrichment in schizophrenia for common allelic associations at imprinted loci. PLoS ONE 10(12), pp. -., article number: e0144172. (10.1371/journal.pone.0144172)
Creeth, H., McNamara, G., Tunster, S., Eddy, J., Isles, A. R. and John, R. 2015. Programming of maternal behaviour by the placenta: A novel animal model. Psychoneuroendocrinology 61, pp. 4., article number: PS1.1.3. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.07.397)
Davies, J. R. et al. 2015. Calorie seeking, but not hedonic response, contributes to hyperphagia in a mouse model for Prader-Willi syndrome. European Journal of Neuroscience 42(4), pp. 2105-2113. (10.1111/ejn.12972)
Isles, A. R. 2015. 15q maternal duplication and neurodevelopmental disorders; UBE3A is the key. Human Mutation 36(7), pp. iii. (10.1002/humu.22656)
Davies, J. R., Dent, C., McNamara, G. and Isles, A. R. 2015. Behavioural effects of imprinted genes. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 2, pp. 28-33. (10.1016/j.cobeha.2014.07.008)
Isles, A. R. 2015. Neural and behavioral epigenetics; what it is, and what is hype. Genes, Brain and Behavior 14(1), pp. 64-72. (10.1111/gbb.12184)

2014

Dent, C. L. and Isles, A. R. 2014. An Overview of measuring impulsive behavior in mice. Current Protocols in Mouse Biology 4(2), pp. 35-45. (10.1002/9780470942390.mo140015)
Davis, B. A. and Isles, A. R. 2014. Modelling the genetic contribution to mental illness: a timely end for the psychiatric rodent?. European Journal of Neuroscience 39(11), pp. 1933-1942. (10.1111/ejn.12607)
Dent, C., Isles, A. R. and Humby, T. 2014. Measuring risk-taking in mice: balancing the risk between seeking reward and danger. European Journal of Neuroscience 39(4), pp. 520-530. (10.1111/ejn.12430)
Rees, E. et al. 2014. Analysis of copy number variations at 15 schizophrenia-associated loci. British Journal of Psychiatry 204(2), pp. 108-114. (10.1192/bjp.bp.113.131052)
Dent, C. and Isles, A. R. 2014. Brain-expressed imprinted genes and adult behaviour: the example of Nesp and Grb10. Mammalian Genome 25(1-2), pp. 87-93. (10.1007/s00335-013-9472-0)
Cowley, M. et al. 2014. Developmental programming mediated by complementary roles of imprinted Grb10 in mother and pup. PLoS Biology 12(2), pp. e1001799. (10.1371/journal.pbio.1001799)
McNamara, G. and Isles, A. R. 2014. Influencing the social group: the role of imprinted genes. Advances in Genetics 86, pp. 107-134. (10.1016/B978-0-12-800222-3.00006-1)

2013

Relkovic, D. and Isles, A. R. 2013. Behavioural and cognitive profiles of mouse models for Prader-Willi syndrome. Brain Research Bulletin 92, pp. 41-48. (10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.09.009)
McNamara, G. I. and Isles, A. R. 2013. Dosage-sensitivity of imprinted genes expressed in the brain: 15q11–q13 and neuropsychiatric illness. Biochemical Society Transactions 41(3), pp. 721-726. (10.1042/BST20130008)

2012

Relkovic, D., Humby, T., Hagan, J. J., Wilkinson, L. S. and Isles, A. R. 2012. Enhanced appetitive learning and reversal learning in a mouse model for Prader-Willi syndrome. Behavioral Neuroscience 126(3), pp. 488-492. (10.1037/a0028155)

2011

Isles, A. R. 2011. Genomic imprinting; the cost of mother's care. Bioessays 33(12), pp. 924-926. (10.1002/bies.201100115)
Ingason, A. et al. 2011. Maternally derived microduplications at 15q11-q13: Implication of imprinted genes in psychotic illness. American Journal of Psychiatry 168(4), pp. 408-417. (10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.09111660)
Garfield, A. S. et al. 2011. Distinct physiological and behavioural functions for parental alleles of imprinted Grb10. Nature 469(7331), pp. 534-538. (10.1038/nature09651)

2010

Hinton, E. C., Isles, A. R., Williams, N. M. and Parkinson, J. A. 2010. Excessive appetitive arousal in Prader–Willi syndrome. Appetite 54(1), pp. 225-228. (10.1016/j.appet.2009.12.002)
Relkovic, D. et al. 2010. Behavioural and cognitive abnormalities in an imprinting centre deletion mouse model for Prader–Willi syndrome. European Journal of Neuroscience 31(1), pp. 156-164. (10.1111/j.1460-9568.2009.07048.x)

2009

Doe, C. M. et al. 2009. Loss of the imprinted snoRNA mbii-52 leads to increased 5htr2c pre-RNA editing and altered 5HT2CR-mediated behaviour. Human Molecular Genetics 18(12), pp. 2140-2148. (10.1093/hmg/ddp137)
Isles, A. R. 2009. Evolution of genomic imprinting in humans: Does bipedalism have a role?. Trends in Genetics 25(11), pp. 495-500. (10.1016/j.tig.2009.09.010)

2008

Doe, C., Garfield, A., Humby, T., Relkovic, D., Wilkinson, L. S. and Isles, A. R. 2008. 5-HT2CR pre-RNA editing, alternate splicing and function in a mouse model of Prader-Willi syndrome. Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology 22(s2), pp. 125. (10.1111/j.1472-8206.2008.00601.x)
Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain?. In: Wilkins, J. F. ed. Genomic Imprinting. Advances in experimental medicine and biology Vol. 626. Berlin: Springer, pp. 62-70., (10.1007/978-0-387-77576-0_5)
Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2008. Genomic imprinting and disorders of the social brain; shades of grey rather than black and white. Behavioral and Brain Sciences 31(3), pp. 265-266. (10.1017/S0140525X08004263)
Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. Epigenetics: what is it and why is it important to mental disease?. British Medical Bulletin 85(1), pp. 35-45. (10.1093/bmb/ldn004)
Isles, A. R. 2008. Feel the heat: epigenetic coding of thermotolerance in the chick (Commentary on Yossifoffet al.). European Journal of Neuroscience 28(11), pp. 2266. (10.1111/j.1460-9568.2008.06544.x)

2007

Wilkinson, L. S., Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2007. Genomic imprinting effects on brain development and function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 8(11), pp. 832-843. (10.1038/nrn2235)
Lambourne, S. L., Humby, T., Isles, A. R., Emson, P. C., Spillantini, M. G. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. Impairments in impulse control in animal models transgenic for the human FTPD-17 tauV337M mutation are exacerbated by age. Human Molecular Genetics 16(14), pp. 1708-1719. (10.1093/hmg/ddm119)
Davies, W., Humby, T., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. X-monosomy effects on visuospatial attention in mice: a candidate gene and implications for Turner syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Biological psychiatry 61(12), pp. 1351-1360. (10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.08.011)
Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain? [Review]. Epigenetics 2(4), pp. 201-206. (10.4161/epi.2.4.5379)

2006

Isles, A. R., Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. Genomic imprinting and the social brain. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B - Biological Sciences 361(1476), pp. 2229-2237. (10.1098/rstb.2006.1942)
Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. X-linked imprinting: effects on brain and behaviour. Bioessays 28(1), pp. 35-44. (10.1002/bies.20341)
Isles, A. R. and Humby, T. 2006. Modes of imprinted gene action in learning disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research 50(5), pp. 318-325. (10.1111/j.1365-2788.2006.00843.x)

2005

Isles, A. R., Hathway, G. J., Humby, T., de la Riva, C., Kendrick, K. M. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2005. An mTph2 SNP gives rise to alterations in extracellular 5-HT levels, but not in performance on a delayed-reinforcement task. European Journal of Neuroscience 22(4), pp. 997-1000. (10.1111/j.1460-9568.2005.04265.x)
Davies, W. et al. 2005. Xlr3b is a new imprinted candidate for X-linked parent-of-origin effects on cognitive function in mice. Nature Genetics 37(6), pp. 625-629. (10.1038/ng1577)
Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2005. Imprinted gene expression in the brain. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 29(3), pp. 421-430. (10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.11.007)
Plagge, A. et al. 2005. Imprinted Nesp55 influences behavioral reactivity to novel environments. Molecular and Cellular Biology 25(8), pp. 3019-3026. (10.1128/MCB.25.8.3019-3026.2005)
Isles, A. R. and Holland, A. J. 2005. Imprinted genes and mother-offspring interactions. Early Human Development 81(1), pp. 73-77.

2004

Isles, A. R., Humby, T., Walters, E. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Common genetic effects on variation in impulsivity and activity in mice. Journal of Neuroscience 24(30), pp. 6733-6740. (10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1650-04.2004)
Isles, A. R., Davies, W., Burrmann, D., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Effects on fear reactivity in XO mice are due to haploinsufficiency of a non-PAR X gene: implications for emotional function in Turner's syndrome. Human Molecular Genetics 13(17), pp. 1849-1855. (10.1093/hmg/ddh203)

2003

Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2003. Measuring impulsivity in mice using a novel operant delayed reinforcement task: effects of behavioural manipulations and d-amphetamine. Psychopharmacology 170(4), pp. 376-382. (10.1007/s00213-003-1551-6)
Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S., Ward, B. O., Humby, T., de la Riva, C. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2003. Evidence for X-linked imprinted gene functioning on cognition in mice; a possible neurochemical basis, and implications for cognitive sexual dimorphism [Abstract]. Journal of Psychopharmacology 17(S), pp. A70.

2002

Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2002. Neuroendocrinology Briefings 16: Genomic Imprinting, Hormones and Behaviour. Journal of Neuroendocrinology 14(5), pp. 425-426. (10.1046/j.1365-2826.2002.00445.x)
Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2002. Genomic imprinting, hormones and behaviour. Journal of Neuroendocrinology 14(5), pp. 425-426.
Isles, A. R., Baum, M. J., Ma, D., Szeto, A., Keverne, E. B. and Allen, N. D. 2002. A possible role for imprinted genes in inbreeding avoidance and dispersal from the natal area in mice. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 269(1492), pp. 665-670. (10.1098/rspb.2001.1911)

2001

Isles, A. R. 2001. When is a clone not a clone?. Trends Genet 17(8), pp. 441-441.
Isles, A. R. 2001. Reversible regulation of mouse genes. Trends Genet 17(8), pp. 441-441.
Isles, A. R., Baum, M. J., Ma, D., Keverne, E. B. and Allen, N. D. 2001. Genetic imprinting: urinary odour preferences in mice. Nature 409(6822), pp. 783-784. (10.1038/35057323)
Isles, A. R., Baum, M. J., Ma, D., Keverne, E. B. and Allen, N. D. 2001. Urinary odour preferences in mice. Nature 409(6822), pp. 783-784. (10.1038/35057323)
Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2001. Imprinted genes and mental dysfunction. Annals of Medicine 33(6), pp. 428-436. (10.3109/07853890108995956)
Isles, A. R. et al. 2001. Conditional ablation of neurones in transgenic mice. Journal of Neurobiology 47(3), pp. 183-193. (10.1002/neu.1026)

2000

Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2000. Imprinted genes, cognition and behaviour. Trends in Cognitive Sciences 4(8), pp. 309-318. (10.1016/S1364-6613(00)01504-7)

My group is interested in the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to brain and behaviour. In particular, we are investigating an intriguing family of genes, the imprinted genes, which are subject to epigenetic control acquired during development resulting in expression from one parental copy (allele) only. The research is focused on addressing what these imprinted genes are doing in the brain and how they may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders. We are also interested in whether imprinted genes expressed in the brain are affected by the maternal environment (e.g. diet). Similarly, more recent research in collaboration with Dr Rosalind John (Cardiff University) is investigating whether changes in the placental expression of imprinted genes can influence both maternal behaviour and later offspring outcomes. Finally, we are also involved in work characterising the role epigenetic processes more generally in neurodevelopment and the aetiology of neuropsychiatric illness.

Our work requires a multi-disciplinary approach in order to examine aspects of behaviour, neurobiology and molecular genetics. We primarily examine behavioural phenotypes in rodent models and use molecular techniques for addressing gene expression and epigenetic regulation of the genome (histone modification and DNA methylation).

Current research project areas

Imprinted genes, brain and behaviour
Coordination of placenta, maternal brain, and offspring outcomes
Neurodevelopmental role of the histone methyltransferase Ehmt1/Glp
Developmental and functional role of Setd1a in the brain

Research Funding

Biolotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council, project grant - "Ensuring quality maternal care in an adverse environment"

Medical Research Council, project grant - "Investigating a plecntal origin for pregnancy andpostpartum mood disorder"

Wellcome Trust, Integrative Neuroscience PhD - "The role of imprinted Grb10 in brain and behaviour"

Ewan Maclean Studentship/Waterloo Foundation, PhD studentship - "Placental function, maternal mood and long term consequences for offspring neurodevelopment"

I am a lecturer and tutor on the intercalated Psychology module "Scientific Basis o Psychological Medicine" (ME3085). I am also a lecturer on final year Psychology module "Behavioural Genetics" (PS3210).

I also give a Case 12 second year lecture on "Neural controlof appetite: the example of PWS"

Education and qualifications

2000: PhD (Zoology) University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
1994: BSc Zoology & Genetics, University of Sheffield, UK

Career overview

2006 - present: Professor, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
2003 - 2008 Beebe Ttrust Research Fellow, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
1999 - 2003 Post-doctoral researcher, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
1994 - 1995 ESF Trainee technician, Department of Genetics, Leicester University, UK

Safleoedd academaidd blaenorol

2006 - presennol: Athro, Canolfan MRC ar gyfer Geneteg a Genomeg Niwroseiciatrig, Prifysgol Caerdydd, Caerdydd, y DU
2003 - 2008 Cymrawd Ymchwil Ymddiriedolaeth Beebe, Adran Seiciatreg, Prifysgol Caergrawnt, Caergrawnt, DU
1999 - 2003 Ymchwilydd ôl-ddoethurol, Sefydliad Babraham , Caergrawnt, UK
1994 - 1995 ESF Technegydd dan hyfforddiant, Adran Geneteg, Prifysgol Caerlŷr, UK

Pwyllgorau ac adolygu

2014 - present: Deputy-Director of the Wellcome Trust Integrative Neuroscience PhD programme
2015 - present: Neuroscience and Mental Health themelead, GW4 MRC BioMed doctoral training programme

External Committes

2014 - present: Publications Secretary, British Association of Neuroscience

Goruchwyliaeth gyfredol

Miss Isadora Sinha

Myfyriwr ymchwil

Dr Matt Higgs

Myfyriwr ymchwil

Mae'n hanfodol bod gwyddonwyr yn ceisio esbonio eu maes ymchwil i leygoedd cynulleidfaoedd, ac yn wir, lle bo hynny'n bosibl, bod ein hymchwil yn cael ei lywio gan ein rhyngweithio â'r cyhoedd yn gyffredinol. Rwy'n ymgymryd â gweithgareddau ymgysylltu'n rheolaidd ac wedi siarad mewn digwyddiadau fel Pint of Science, Caffi Athroniaeth Caerdydd, a dathliadau Canmlwyddiant MRC yn BayArt.

Rwyf hefyd yn awyddus i hyrwyddo niwrowyddoniaeth ac roeddwn yn Ymddiriedolwr Cymdeithas Niwroscaince Prydain o 2017-2022, lle glanheais eu cylchgrawn cymdeithas, helpu gyda phrosiectau BNA Credible Neuroscience a fi oedd y prif siaradwr mewn sesiwn weminar o'r enw 'Gyrfaoedd mewn niwrowyddoniaeth (a thu hwnt!) ' a fynychwyd gan ymchwilwyr gyrfa gynnar o bob cwr o'r byd.

Yn ychwanegol, rwyf wedi trafod fy ymchwil gyda rhieni a gofalwyr unigolion â syndrom Prader-Willi mewn digwyddiadau fel Arweinyddiaeth IPWSO ECHO®, ac wedi recordio podlediadau ar gyfer Natur a'r Gymdeithas Biocemegol yn egluro fy ymchwil. Mae ein gwaith hefyd wedi cael sylw mewn erthyglau newyddion yn y Smithsonian, Scientific American a hyd yn oed y Daily Mail.

Professor Anthony Isles

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Education and qualifications

Career overview

Safleoedd academaidd blaenorol

Pwyllgorau ac adolygu

External Committes

Goruchwyliaeth gyfredol

Miss Isadora Sinha

Dr Matt Higgs

External profiles

Professor Anthony Isles

Trosolwyg

Cyhoeddiad

2022

2021

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Articles

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Ymchwil

Addysgu

Bywgraffiad

Education and qualifications

Career overview

Safleoedd academaidd blaenorol

Pwyllgorau ac adolygu

External Committes

Meysydd goruchwyliaeth

Goruchwyliaeth gyfredol

Miss Isadora Sinha

Dr Matt Higgs

Ymgysylltu

External profiles