Our lab is interested in disease mechanisms in psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia and depression. We use preclinical models to investigate gene x environment interactions, epigenetics, transcription and neurodevelopment. We also have human clinical samples and studies probing spatial navigation in a virtual reality (VR) environment.
Current projects
Students have the opportunity to work on a number of related projects:
(1) Disc1 gene mutant mouse models – characterization of genetic and environmental effects on neuron migration during cortical development;
(2) Novel brain RNA transcripts regulating sensory gating in rodents as an endophenotype for schizophrenia;
(3) Heritability of DNA methylation profiles and effects on behavioural phenotype in the mouse;
(4) Spatial navigation in schizophrenia as a probe for hippocampal function using VR.
Lab members
Head: Dr. Albert Wong, MD, PhD
Mawahib Semeralul, Lab manager
PhD students: Frankie Lee (PCL), Laura Feldcamp (IMS)
MSc students: Jean-Sebastien Doucet (PCL), John Zawadzski (IMS)