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Brain and Gender
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About this Laboratory
Our laboratory uses combined biochemical, anatomical, and behavioural approaches to determine the mechanisms underlying differences in the male and the female brain.
Related to Research Themes
Genes & Healthy Development , Men's Health
Current Research
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Cognitive effects of SRY inhibition in the brain - The male sex determination gene SRY is widely expressed in the male brain, in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the substantia nigra (SN), and the medial mammillary bodies (MMB). We are interested in assessing the effect of SRY knockdown in these brain regions on cognitive function. This project will provide novel insights into the molecular neurobiology of sexually dimorphic behaviours.
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Role of the male-specific gene SRY in Parkinson's disease - We are testing the novel concept that the male sex-determination gene SRY is a factor involved in the susceptibility of males to Parkinson’s disease. We will address this by determining whether SRY levels are altered in Parkinson’s disease and whether inhibition of SRY function can reduce the progression of Parkinson’s disease using animal models.
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Sexual dimorphism in neurological disorders - We are interested in understanding the genetic factors that underlie gender differences in susceptibility to neurological disorders. We aim to test whether abnormal SRY function, and therefore abnormal regulation of dopamine, may increase the susceptibility of men to these neurological disorders such as schizophrenia, and drug addiction.
- Genetics of gender identity - Gender identity is the gender with which a person identifies. Studies suggest that gender identity is affected by genetic, prenatal hormonal or postnatal social determinants. We are investigating the role of genes in patients with gender identity disorders. Currently we are undertaking genetic association studies of steroidogenesis genes in a large cohort of male-to-female transsexuals.