An enduring issue in the study of mental health is identifying developmental processes that explain how childhood characteristics progress to maladaptive forms.
Genetics
Harry A. Waisman Memorial Lecture – Stephen Scherer, PhD, DSc FRSC – Understanding the Composition of the Human Genome for Studies of Genetic Disease
Dr. Stephen Scherer’s research includes understanding the composition of the human genome for studies of genetic disease built around three themes: 1) gene copy number and structural variation in the human genome, 2) determining the genetic architecture in autism spectrum and related- disorders and using this information to help families, and 3) developing infrastructure and capacity in Canada for translational genomics research.
Seminar – Yong-hui Jiang, MD, PhD – “Modeling Autism by SHANK3 and H1-4 Gene Mutations: Synaptic Dysfunction vs Epigenetic Dysregulation”
I am physician scientist active both in basic research and clinical practice. My research interests are to 1) uncover the genetic and epigenetic bases of neurodevelopmental disorders or rare diseases with neurodevelopmental defects; 2) model genetic diseases using human patients derived cellular models and genetic mutant mice; 3) understand the circuit and molecular mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorder; 4) develop novel molecular and epigenetic targeted therapies for genetic and epigenetic diseases.
Genetics has a higher influence on brain microstructure development than the environment
Brain structure isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when we think about what we inherited from our biological parents or share with our siblings. We mostly think about facial features, hair color, and even personality.
Murray Brilliant, PhD
Height is a highly heritable, classic polygenic trait with approximately 700 commonly associated variants identified through genome-wide association studies so far.
Autism study finds genetic mutation poor indicator
David Wargowski, MD, a clinical geneticist in the Waisman Center Medical Genetics Clinic, discusses a new autism study in the journal Nature that examines the genetic variance of family members with an autism spectrum disorder.
Seeing results: Genetic counseling services at Waisman
The expanding ability to decipher human DNA has made genetic testing widely available. But it takes a pro to translate the information.