The Molecular Neurogenetics study section (MNG) reviews grant applications that focus on applying molecular genetic approaches to studies conducted in a neuroscience context. While this is a multidisciplinary area, the expectation is that projects will always have potential examination of a neuroscience question, although they may not be hypothesis-driven in initial stages.

Specific areas include:

• Molecular genetics underlying neural function, neurodegeneration, addiction, and behavior
• Epigenetic regulation of neural gene expression, including chromatin remodeling
• Technologies for studying translational and transcriptional regulation in a neuronal context

• Imaging and sensing of gene expression in neurons and glia
• Methods for delivery of exogenous genes and silencers to specific neurons
• Analysis and refinement of neuronal phenotypes
• Neurogenetic variation in humans and model systems

The MNG study section has the following shared interests within the ETTN IRG:

With the NT study section: Imaging is an area of shared interest. Applications focused on imaging technology as applied to neurosystems could be reviewed by NT. Those with emphasis on molecular genetics could be reviewed in MNG.

The MNG study section has the following shared interests outside the ETTN IRG:

With the Bioengineering Sciences and Technologies IRG (BST): Applications on gene delivery are shared interests. If the focus is on the development of technologies, assignment could be to the BST IRG. If the focus is optimization of technologies for use in a neuroscience-context, assignment could be to MNG.

With the Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience IRG (BDCN): Applications on brain disorders and treatment are shared interests. If the focus is a clinical genetic study or a response to drugs in model systems, assignment could be to the BDCN IRG. If the focus is basic genetic mechanisms associated with neural dysfunction, assignment could be to MNG.

With the Genes, Genomics and Genetics IRG (GGG): Multiple shared interests exist between GGG and MNG. Applications on genetic aspects of brain dysfunction are shared interests, particularly for complex traits. If the focus is gene discovery using state of the art approaches such as linkage analysis or association studies, assignment could be to GGG. If the focus is on mechanism of action of candidate gene function or refinement of phenotypes, assignment could be to MNG. In addition, if the focus is obtaining insight into a molecular genetic mechanism that can affect gene function, such as epigenetic phenomena or transcriptional/translational regulation, assignment to GGG may be appropriate. If the focus is the mechanism of action of genes affecting a particular neurological phenotype, then MNG may be appropriate. Applications on gene therapeutics are also a shared interest. If the focus is on multi-organ disease, then assignment to GGG may be appropriate. If the focus is the neural system, then assignment to MNG may be appropriate. 

With the Health of the Population IRG (HOP):  Applications on neural function, neurodegeneration, addiction and behavior are shared interests. If the study is population-based or involves a clinically ascertained study population and the focus is on genetics of neural function, neurodegeneration, addiction, behavior, other conditions, phenotypes or endophenotypes in large samples, assignment to HOP could be appropriate. If the focus is on nonhumans or molecular genetics, assignment to MNG could be appropriate.

With the Integrative, Functional and Cognitive Neuroscience IRG (IFCN): Applications on cognitive function are shared interests. If the focus is an integrative genetic study of cognitive function, assignment to IFCN could be appropriate. If the focus is a study applying emerging genetic technology to cognitive function, assignment to MNG could be appropriate.

With the Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience IRG (MDCN): Applications on molecular and cellular neuroscience are shared interests. If the focus is a basic molecular and/or cellular genetic study, assignment to MDCN could be appropriate. If the focus is an emerging genetic technology study, assignment to MNG could be appropriate.