What is the genetic and epigenetic basis of schizophrenia? What brain regions are particularly central to cognitive abnormalities in schizophrenia? Can pathways of glutamate synthesis and transmission become targets for developing novel drugs for schizophrenia? Can epigenetic processes explain the effect of stress on cognitive function and affective behavior?

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that devastates the lives of 1 out of every 100 people in the world. Despite its prevalence, the etiology of this disorder remains largely unclear. We use animal models and a combination of genetic, molecular and behavior tools to address specific questions related to the etiology, symptomatology and treatment of schizophrenia and stress-related behavior. In particular, we are interested in gene x environment interactions and in how they affect susceptibility and resilience to psychopathological disorders.