Anne Bassett

Research Synopsis

Dr. Bassett is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, Director of the Clinical Genetics Research Program at the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, Inaugural Dalglish Chair in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome at the University Health Network (UHN) and University of Toronto, and the Director of the Dalglish Family 22q Clinic at the Toronto General Hospital at UHN. A longstanding associate staff member of the Division of Cardiology at UHN, she is also an Associate Member of the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists. As part of longstanding public service, Dr. Bassett is the Medical Director for the International 22q Foundation, and a Founding Member of the 22q11.2 Society. She was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2023 for her contributions to understanding the genetics of schizophrenia. 

Dr. Anne Bassett is a world-renowned expert in the genetics of complex conditions, predominantly major psychiatric and congenital cardiac disease with particular expertise in adults with 22q11.2 deletions, a complex care condition affecting nearly one in every 2000 live births. Her research involves identifying rare genetic variants with high impact and delineating their lifelong expression, including multi-system neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric, cardiac and other medical conditions. Her studies of tetralogy of Fallot have identified copy number variants and loss of function variants that have informed mechanism and changed clinical practice. These studies showcase the enhanced power of molecularly identified genetic conditions, and in providing valuable models to better understand and manage complex human diseases. Dr. Bassett plays a leading role in international consortia, including genome sequencing studies. Her leadership in translating discoveries to clinical practice, including pediatric and adult clinical practice guidelines for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, exemplifies practical precision medicine.