MMI-LAB.UCDAVIS.EDU

Autism Spectrum Disorders: ASDs represent a large and diverse spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. In order to understand the molecular basis of ASDs, our group has focused in on ASDs with a known genetic cause. In these ASDs, a portion of chromosome 15, which contains Ube3a, has been duplicated (Dup15q). Dup15q is not only associated with ASDs but also with exposure to environmental pollutants and has deepened our understanding of how gene-by-environment interactions shape the risk for ASDs. We also examine ASDs with unknown causes, as they represent the vast majority of cases, and are working towards developing biomarkers for ASD diagnosis by using non-invasively obtained tissues such as placenta, cord blood, and buccal swabs... MeCP2: We are also focused on a protein that binds to methylated DNA: methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). The gene for MECP2 is on the X chromosome and is mutated in Rett syndrome and other neurodevelopmental disorders. We are currently testing the..

Primary location: Davis United States