Laboratory of Molecular Genetics
230 Research East
University Park, PA 16802-2321
Tel: 814/863-1325
Fax: 814/863-8429
Affiliations
The laboratory is a part of several groups on campus:
Center for Developmental and Health Genetics
Department of Biobehavioral Health
Both of which are in the College of Health and Human Development
Life Sciences Consortium
Genetics Program (Graduate Level)
Lab Members
David Vandenbergh, Head
Kate Anthony
Lynn Pilkinton
Ryan Peterson
Tara Kerin
Mike Grant
Holly Mack
Katie Heron
Kim Nicoludis
Adriana Quinones
Jacki Brzenchek
Research Interests
Drugs of abuse exert their influence on the brain, in part, by controlling gene expression. My laboratory is currently exploring methods to detect expression patterns of large numbers of genes simultaneously as a way to identify those that are regulated by these drugs. Identifying these genes may indicate new neuronal and biochemical pathways that underlie drug abuse behaviors, and suggest new therapeutic approaches to drug abuse in humans.
I am also interested in applying quantitative genetic methods to complex traits, including drug abuse and aging. The eventual goal of using these methods, such as Quantitative Trait Locus (QTL) mapping, is to identify regions of chromosomes, and then identify the specific genes, that alter the traits. We hope to be able to combine quantitative genetic methods with gene expression methods to determine which genes drive the trait.
Current Projects
Drug Abuse
Aging
Alcohol
Links to data for downloading
- This site is still in early stages of construction -