Deborah Kurrasch

Professor

Department of Medical Genetics

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)


Contact information


Research

Areas

  • Developmental Genetics, Epilepsy, Model Organism, Novel Therapeutics

Research Summary

We study hypothalamic programs that underlie neonatal/postnatal neuroendocrine signaling. The transition from a passive fetus to an independent neonate requires activation of a complex network of neuroendocrine genes. To understand what genes are critical during this late developmental time point, and if the postnatal age presents a window of vulnerability for environmental insult, we use the following tools:

  • mice and zebrafish as model organisms
  • immortalized hypothalamic cell lines
  • microarray and NextGen sequencing
  • molecular biology techniques
  • targeted knockdown
  • pharmacological manipulations