Neurogenetics

Understanding the genetic underpinnings of the brain's structure, function, and development remains at the forefront of today's science. Within the rapidly growing field of neurogenetics, researchers have assembled an impressive array of analytical and molecular techniques to elucidate the brain's genetic mechanisms. Over the past two decades, the research focus has shifted from simpler Mendelian effects to the multiple gene interactions that influence complex trait heritability. Using numerous modern bioinformatic and molecular approaches, such as association studies coupled with microarray techniques, neurogenetic regulation and expression are becoming increasingly understood. Growing resources such as genetic and genomic databases further allows researchers to integrate interspecies genetic and phenotypic data. The use of genetic animal models, combined with refined statistical and integrative approaches, further underscores this rapidly growing field.