Neurogenomics

Research that Advances Precision Medicine for Brain Disorders

Our Neurogenomics researchers use cutting-edge genomic and stem cell technologies to discover biological mechanisms and advance precision medicine for brain disorders. Studies span a wide range of conditions, including psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, brain injury, and neurodegeneration.

The team characterizes the diversity of brain cell types and disease-associated transcriptomic, epigenomic, and proteomic changes in many regions of the human and mammalian brain using single-cell and spatial multiomic technologies.

They conduct genome-sequencing and genome-wide association studies to identify genetic variants that modify disease risk. Our researchers also us human stem cells and human brain organoids to model disease mechanisms and screen therapeutic targets. They apply machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms to predict causal mechanisms and identify genomic biomarkers.

Neurogenomics Faculty

Seth Ament, PhD

Dr. Ament's research focuses on discovering genomic mechanisms and advance precision medicine for brain disorders. His research team conducts genome-sequencing and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify risk variants for these disorders. In addition, they use single-cell multiomic technologies to characterize cell type diversity and disease-associated transcriptomic and epigenomic changes in many regions of the human and mammalian brain. The lab functionally characterizes the genes and variants that emerge from these studies using human stem cells and animal models. Dr. Ament works with clinical collaborators to build patient cohorts to translate genetic and genomic findings for the development of precision biomarkers and therapies. Ongoing studies in the lab apply these approaches to psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, brain injury, and neurodegeneration.

Carlo Calantuoni, PhD

Dr. Calantuoni researches how the human brain is constructed in order to understand what goes wrong when it falls apart. For example, this image shows how different elements of the genome are used during the birth of neurons in the mouse (left), monkey (center) and human (right) brain. Each tiny dot is a single cell in the developing neocortex. The sequential waves of color depict conserved gene expression programs beginning in neural stem cells, progressing through intermediate states and finally in newly born neurons. In humans, the full maturation of these cortical neurons has evolved to take many years, enabling us to continue to learn from our experiences for much longer than other species.

Brian Herb, PhD

Dr. Herb studies the development of the brain, particularly the complexity of the hypothalamus that regulates many essential bodily functions, including temperature control, hunger, thirst, sleep, and hormone productions.

Evalina Mocci, PhD

Dr. Mocci's research centers on developing and applying precision medicine strategies that integrate genetic, clinical, and demographic data to define personal risk profiles for pain, neurological, and psychiatric conditions. Through the use of biomarkers and predictive models, she aims to enhance risk assessment, inform tailored treatment strategies, and facilitate earlier detection of individuals likely to experience disease progression or treatment-related side effects across diverse patient populations.