Summary
What follows is a listing of the research conducted in the Psychogenomics Laboratory. This work supports the genomics research initiatives of the Mayo Foundation.
R01 MH62599-01A2 Hypocretin system immune diathesis in human narcolepsy. John L. Black III MD PI, Lois Krahn MD, Michael Silber MD, and V. Shane Pankratz PhD co-investigators. The goal of this study is to determine if narcoleptic patients have autoantibodies in blood or CSF against any portion of the hypocretin neurotransmission system. If such antibodies are found, we work to establish the first immunological assay for narcolepsy. Approved for funding which began 4/1/02.
Characterization of structure and function of the voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) gamma subunits. John L. Black III MD PI. The goal of this research is subclone all known isoforms of the VGCC gamma subunit and to understand how gamma subunits effect VGCC electrophysiology and function.
Determination of CYP genotypes in patients with treatment resistant psychiatric illnesses and unusual drug sensitivities to serotonin reuptake inhibitors. David A. Mrazek MD PI, John Logan Black III MD and Dennis O?Kane PhD co-investigators. The goal of the research is to determine if there is a higher than expected frequency of poor metabolizer genotypes (e.g. due to inactive CYP alleles) or ultrarapid metabolizer genotypes (e.g. CYP2D6 duplications) among patients who do not respond to serotonin reuptake inhibitors or have unusual reactions to them. Ultimately, we wish to establish algorithms allowing for precise drug selection and dosing based upon genotype of individuals with depression.
Determination of serotonin receptor 1B, serotonin receptor 2A, tyrosine hydroxylase, serotonin transporter, flavin monooxygenase 3, and catachol-O-methyltransferase polymorphisms in suicidal patients. David A. Mrazek MD PI, John Logan Black III MD and Dennis O?Kane PhD co-investigators. The goal of this study is to validate other studies that have shown that polymorphisms of these genes are associated with suicidal behavior in patients with various psychiatric illnesses.