Research at the molecular and cellular levels focuses on the fundamental processes controlling neuronal function, and their abnormalities in various neuropsychiatric disorders. Studies of signal transduction pathways, gene expressions, and genetic contributions to mental illness are among the major areas of investigation. The studies make prominent use of transgenic mouse models, viral mediated gene transfer, DNA array profiling, and protein biochemistry. Other areas of focus include neural circuits and the neurobiological substrates of complex behavior. Defining features of this work include its integration with molecular and cellular investigations and the availability of sophisticated animal models of specific disorders. A major interest is detailed neural and behavioral phenotyping of genetic mutant mice.

Collaborating faculty in other Departments: 
Robert Bachoo, M.D., Ph.D., Neurology
Joel Elmquist, D.V.M, Ph.D., Internal Medicine
Jenny Hsieh, Ph.D., Molecular Biology
Jane Johnson, Ph.D., Neuroscience
Thomas Kodadek, Ph.D., Center for Biomedical Inventions
Steven McKnight, Ph.D., Biochemistry
Eric Olson, Ph.D., Molecular Biology
Luis Parada, Ph.D., Developmental Biology
Masashi Yanagisawa, M.D., Ph.D., Molecular Genetics