Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics

The Laboratory of Molecular Neurogenetics studies genetic factors that contribute to neurological diseases, including Parkinson's disease, the genetic ataxias, and neurodevelopmental disorders including autism and spina bifida. Research endeavors also include the use of a gene-teratogen model to identify teratogenic alleles that act in the mother during pregnancy to increase the likelihood of a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Some Recent Publications:

• Johnson WG. (2003) Teratogenic Alleles and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. BioEssays 25(5):464-477..
• Doss-Pepe EW, Stenroos ES, Johnson WG, Madura K. (2003) Ataxin-3 acts in concert with VCP/p97 and Rad23 to recognize ubiquitinated substrates. Molec Cell Biol 23:6469-6483.
• Johnson WG, Scholl TO, Spychala JR, Buyske S, Stenroos ES, Chen X. Common dihydrofolate reductase 19bp deletion allele: a novel risk factor for preterm delivery. Am J Clinical Nutrition, Mar 2005; 81:664-668.