Tony R. Merriman

I lead a research group currently studying the genetic and environmental causes of gout. (Previously I studied genetic causes of type 1 diabetes (1994-2005) and rheumatoid arthritis (1998-2013). The primary aim of my gout research is to understand the causal pathways leading to elevated urate levels (hyperuricaemia) and the subsequent immune response to monosodium urate crystals that leads to gout. There are two important outcomes from achieving these aims: one, basic knowledge disseminated by scientific publication and public outreach; two, identification of validated drug targets. As Maurice Wilkins Centre Associate Investigator I am now developing a programme of research into the genetic causes of obesity and diabetes in the NZ Māori and Pacific populations.