Studies of nervous system function are carried out in animal models of human neurological and psychiatric disorders using a strategy that involves the localization and identification of murine genes influencing the model phenotype followed by evaluation of those genes in humans exhibiting homologous phenotypes. A prime focus of my effort involves localizing and identifying genes that determine seizure susceptibility in models of epilepsy.
Molecular studies examine natural gene variation in seizure sensitive and resistant strains of mice.
It is hoped that identification of seizure-related genes in mice will lead to new advances in understanding and treating human epilepsy. To this end, candidate seizure-related genes that we have idenitfied in mice are being studied in individuals with generalized idiopathic and temporal lobe epilepsy. Also, a number of experimental genetic models are being studied in the area of substance abuse. We recently localized a major gene involved in determining morphine preference in mice to the proximal region of chr 10. A candidate, the mu opioid receptor gene, is being screened for variants in the mouse strains that were used for mapping.