Dr Tatiane Yanes

Research Fellow

Frazer Institute
Faculty of Medicine

Overview

I am a clinician-researcher based at the Integrating Genomics into Medicine group and at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. My research is informed by my clinical experience as a genetic counsellor, where I support families undergoing genetic testing, provide genetic risk assessment, and assist families cope and adapt to their genetic diagnosis. My research has been recognised through multiple awards including Rising Star Award in 2021 by both the University of QLD Faculty of Medicine and Frazer Insitute.

My research focuses on the implementation of genomic technologies in healthcare, with expertise in polygenic risk (PGS). My current projects include:

  • developing educational modules on PGS for healthcare providers,
  • evaluating the impact of providing PGS on health behaviour and patient reported outcomes,
  • establishing pathways for laboratory accreditation of PGS in Australia,
  • developing a framework to increase participation of diverse communities in genomics research and,
  • mainstreaming genomic testing for peadiatric healthcare, with a focus on inborn errors of immunity

Research Interests

  • Developing a toolkit to support implementation of polygenic risk scores
    Our project aims to support the implementation of polygenic risk (PGS) by developing i) online education for genetic and non-genetic healthcare providers ii) materials for patient education and risk communication iii) evaluating the ethical, legal and social implications of PGS
  • Mainstreaming genomic testing in paediatric setting
    Our project aims to support the mainstreaming of genomic testing for children with intellectual impairment or an inborn error of immunity. We develop and evaluate training for non-genetics providers and apply a mixed-method approach to evaluate the experiences of parents who accessed genomic testing for their children.

Qualifications

  • Master of Genetic Counselling, Griffith University
  • Bachelor of Science, Australian National University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of New South Wales

Publications

View all Publications

Supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

  • Doctor Philosophy

  • Doctor Philosophy

View all Supervision

Available Projects

  • Personalised disease risk prediction models that combine the effects of genetic (e.g. polygenic scores (PGS)) with non-genetic risk factors are now becoming increasing available through research studies and commercial genetic testing companies. These models aim to identify individuals at higher disease risk who may benefit from preventative health interventions. However, despite commercial availability, there is little implementation research and there are no guidelines on how to provide this test in clinical practice. This project aims to develop a toolkit to support the implementation of personalised disease risk prediction, that includes training for healthcare providers and patient resources. Findings from the study will provide guidance regarding optimal risk communication and a pathway for the successful implementation of personalised risk information.

View all Available Projects

Publications

Journal Article

Conference Publication

  • Wallingford, Courtney, Law, Matthew, Mothershaw, Adam, Acevedo, Astrid Rodriguez, Soyer, Hans Peter, McInerney-Leo, Aideen and Yanes, Tatiane (2024). Evaluating a protocol for communicating melanoma personalised risk scores: a pilot study. 56th Annual Conference of the European-Society-of-Human-Genetics (ESHG), Glasgow, Scotland, 10-13 June 2023. London, United Kingdom: Nature Publishing Group.

  • Yanes, Tatiane, Sullivan, Anna, Barbaro, Pasquale, Brion, Kristian, Peake, Jane and McNaughton, Peter (2023). Mainstreaming genomic testing for children with undiagnosed inborn errors of immunity. 55th European-Society-of-Human-Genetics (ESHG) Conference, Vienna Austria, Jun 11-14, 2022. LONDON: SPRINGERNATURE.

  • Wallingford, Courtney, Kovilpillai, Hannah, Jacobs, Chris, Turbitt, Erin, Primiero, Clare, Brockman, Deanna, Soyer, Hans Peter, McInerney-Leo, Aideen and Yanes, Tatiane (2023). Models of communication for polygenic scores and associated behavioural and psychological outcomes: a systematic review. 55th European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) Conference, Vienna, Austria, 11-14 June 2022. London, United Kingdom: Nature Publishing Group.

  • Yanes, T., Kaur, R., Meiser, B., Scheepers-Joynt, M., McInerny, S., Barlow-Stewart, K., Antill, Y., Salmon, L., Smyth, C., Halliday, J., James, P. and Young, M. (2019). High-risk women's responses and understanding of polygenic breast cancer risk information. 52nd Conference of the European-Society-of-Human-Genetics (ESHG), Gothenburg, Sweden, 15-18 June 2019 . London, United Kingdom: Nature Publishing Group.

  • Yanes, T., Meiser, B., Kaur, R., Scheepers-Joynt, M., Young, M., Barlow-Stewart, K., John, T., Harris, M., Antill, Y., Halliday, J., Burke, J., Roscioli, T., Mitchell, P. and James, P. (2019). Uptake of polygenic risk information among women at potentially high breast cancer risk. 51st Conference of the European-Society-of-Human-Genetics (ESHG) in conjunction with the European Meeting on Psychosocial Aspects of Genetics (EMPAG), Milan, Italy, 16-19 June 2018. London, United Kingdom: Nature Publishing Group.

  • Yanes, Tatiane, Meiser, Bettina, Kaur, Rajneesh, Scheepers-Joynt, Maatje, Young, Mary-Anne, Barlow-Stewart, Kristine, John, Tom, Harris, Marrion, Antill, Yoland, Burke, Jo, Roscioli, Tony, Halliday, Jane, Mitchell, Phillip and James, Paul A (2018). Polygenic breast cancer risk: A prospective study of uptake and outcomes among high-risk women. 42nd Human Genetics Society of Australasia Annual Scientific Meeting, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 4-7th August 2018. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Current Supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

    Other advisors:

  • Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor

  • Master Philosophy — Associate Advisor

Possible Research Projects

Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.

  • Personalised disease risk prediction models that combine the effects of genetic (e.g. polygenic scores (PGS)) with non-genetic risk factors are now becoming increasing available through research studies and commercial genetic testing companies. These models aim to identify individuals at higher disease risk who may benefit from preventative health interventions. However, despite commercial availability, there is little implementation research and there are no guidelines on how to provide this test in clinical practice. This project aims to develop a toolkit to support the implementation of personalised disease risk prediction, that includes training for healthcare providers and patient resources. Findings from the study will provide guidance regarding optimal risk communication and a pathway for the successful implementation of personalised risk information.