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MAILMAN RESEARCH CENTER

Laboratory of Genetic Neuropharmacology

Picture taken from Trends Pharmacol Sci 2001;22:188-94

Picture taken from Trends Pharmacol Sci 2001;22:188-94
(click to enlarge)

The Laboratory of Genetic Neuropharmacology (LGN) is interested in studying the functions of GABAA receptor subtypes in the central nervous system. GABAA receptors are the molecular substrates for the regulation of vigilance, anxiety, muscle tension, epileptogenic activity and memory functions. In order to identify the functional role of individual GABAA receptors subtypes, we have introduced point mutations into individual GABAA receptor subunit genes which abolish the action of benzodiazepines or general anesthetics, e.g. diazepam and propofol, respectively. However , the mutant receptors still respond to the physiological neurotransmitter GABA. Moreover, we have generated “floxed” alleles which allow to knock out the respective subunit in a tissue-specific manner either via a cross with cre transgenic mice or via injection of cre-expressing viruses into defined brain regions. These animal models will be analyzed using biochemical, morphological and behavioral methods. The LGN also collaborates with researchers at other institutions, e.g. Stanford University, UCSF, University of Wisconsin, Imperial College of Science and Technology (London), University of Tübingen, ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. The identification of functions of individual GABAA receptor subtypes is envisioned to enhance our understanding of processes underlying nervous system function and to lead to novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of anxiety, psychotic, memory and mood disorders.

Laboratory of Genetic Neuropharmacology

Laboratory of Genetic Neuropharmacology
(click to enlarge)

In collaboration with the Psychiatric Disease Initiative at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge, MA, the LGN will launch a research program aimed at the functional characterization of novel candidate genes for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in genetically modified animals.

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