Established in 2015

We are interested in understanding the neural circuits and molecular mechanisms that modulate social behavior and how dysfunction in these circuits leads to neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism. We employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining behavioral characterization of animal models, pharmacological studies, in vivo modulation of brain circuits, electrophysiology, neuroanatomy and molecular and cellular biology to study the relationship between neurons, brain circuits and behavior. The ultimate goal is to apply findings in mouse models towards human interventions.

 

Olga Peñagarikano (OP) is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of the Basque Country (UBC), Spain. She received her PhD in Human Genetics from UBC and completed a two-stage post-doctoral training, first at Emory University (Atlanta, USA) under Steve Warren and second at the University of California (Los Angeles, USA) under Dan Geschwind. Her work focused on the molecular basis and neuropathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders including Fragile X syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder, setting the basis for her independent research.

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We are always recruiting motivated students and postdocs to join our lab. If you are interested in Translational Research of Autism and related neurodevelopmental syndromes please email us!