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The Laboratory of Clinical Science (LCS) explores the neurobiology
of neuropsychiatric disorders using neurochemical, molecular and genetic
techniques. Its present research utilizes animal models to study
clinical brain disorders using gene-environment interaction models.
Our Laboratory has two research arenas . . .
Laboratory Investigations:
The serotonin neurotransmitter system and one of its key components,
the serotonin transporter (SERT), is the primary target of LCS research.
The development of the SERT knockout mouse in the LCS provided a new living
tool to study SERT and serotonin receptors, the target molecules for the
largest numbers of neuropsychiatric drugs used in the world. 30 plus
neurochemical, behavioral and other phenotypic changes have been discovered
in the serotonin knockout mouse. The resulting data is helping to guide the
LCS and other laboratories in investigations of the multiple variants
recently discovered in the human SERT gene.
Clinical Genetic Investigations:
LCS clinical studies include investigations of obsessive-compulsive
disorder, particularly its genetics and the role of serotonin
and the serotonin transporter in its treatment. By using
various investigative methods including genetic
analysis, neuroimaging, and cortical excitability, we hope
to make our contribution toward the treatment of this
disorder.
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