Member Profile
Margit Burmeister
About Me
We are interested in the identification and functional understanding of genes involved in behavior, neurological and psychiatric disorders. While primarily interested in human disorders, we are using mice as a model system when appropriate. We use genetic methodologies and have identified specific single gene mutations that cause ataxia, seizures and behavioral abnormalities in mice and humans. For some of these, the function of the encoded protein is unknown, and we are starting to clarify that. In contrast to Mendelian single gene defects, human behavior and risk for psychiatric illnesses such as depression and alcoholism are determined by a complex interaction of environmental and multiple genetic risk factors. With the Human Genome sequenced, unprecedented numbers of genetic variants identified, and novel technologies that allow the study of genetic variants, untangling these risk factors is now possible and has started in my laboratory. This includes both work on the phenotypes and on novel techniques to identify genetic variants in a high throughput manner.
This work requires interdisciplinary approaches. We therefore work with psychologists, psychiatrists, other clinicians, biochemists, other neuroscientists, statisticians and bioinformaticians in our studies.
