Research Areas:
- Cellular & Molecular | Developmental Neurobiology
My research is focused on the genetics and epigenetics of alcoholism including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). In recent years, my research team have taken on the Neuroepigenetics mechanismof FASD by studying intrinsic DNA methylation program during brain development in response to prenatal alcohol exposure. We are analyzing neural development and defects at molecular and chromatic levels using high throughput analysis of DNA methylation and histone modification.
The second focus of my current research is to investigate how familial drinking preference are carried across generations through genetic and reinforced by epigenetic mechanisms using high and low drinking rat model HAD/LAD line and P/NP line.
We are currently investigating the second arm of the genetics of alcoholism by looking into DMRs through inheritance and alcohol-induction using methyl-sequencing analysis.
Expertise:
- Addiction Research
- Neurodegenerative Disorders Research
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research
