User:KMaher123/neurogenetics

Introduction
We - Kelsey Maher, Wesley Mather, and Alex Gallagher – are students of Dr. Joseph Burdo, and are enrolled in his Fall BI481 course Introduction to Neuroscience at Boston College. As part of our semester-long project, will be expanding the stub article of neurogenetics.

Background Information on Neurogenetics
Neurogenetics is the study of how genotypic differences affect the phenotypes of individuals or species. The central focus of this area of study is how specific genetic variations between individuals lead to different mental states. Neurogenetics has its basis in evolutionary science. Broadly, analyzing the difference between the genotypes of species helps researchers identify the source of the difference between their brain developments. For instance, chimpanzees and humans, though closely related on the evolutionary tree, have wildly different cranial structures – differences that were caused by only a few genetic mutations. It is only when the variety between species is understood can parameters for individuals within a species can be set, and hence variations between these individuals be analyzed.

The study of neurogenetics is an ongoing topic of much research due to the direct implications genetic variation and mutations carry in predicting neurological diseases and disorders. The introduction of new databases and technology has allowed for the identification of specific genes and the neurological role they play. Genetic mutations have been shown to affect the brain structure during and after development, and intellectual disability. They also contribute to the causes of autism, epilepsy and numerous other disorders. In a broader sense genes have been shown to influence social behavior and social cognition with cultural trends reflected in genetic makeup. The field of neurogenetics promises to result in further findings on how genetic makeup dictates disease, disorder, and social behavior.

Most neurogenetic diseases, specifically those dealing with single Mendilian inheritance, are associated with children or young to middle aged adults. However, current research is now suggesting that given the rising age of the elderly and new methods of genetic screening, that there will be a rise in the recognition of these types of neurogenetic disease in the elderly. It has also been reported that there is a significant genetic and neurological link between general and specific cognitive function.

With respect to behavior, it has been shown through behavior genetic research that even cross species, some specific genes or gene pathways can result in similar behavior and personality traits. In addition, disrupting or impairing neuronal or synaptic function through gene mutations can directly or indirectly alter a species behavior, especially if these modifications occur during development. Specific studies have been conducted and are currently underway to explore the link between neural pathways, specifically those involved in dopamine and serotonin release, and positive and negative learning associations, as well as high risk activities and addictions such as alcoholism. While all this seems to indicate an overwhelming link between genes and behavior and personality, it is still thought that just having these specific genes, pathways, or specific structures is only half of the entire picture. The environment of an individual is equally important. There have also been studies that have attempted to link together brains, genes, and behavior. It has been found that genes specifically influence an individual's drive to seek novelties as well as links to psychiatric disorders such as bipolar and fragile X syndrome.

Proposed Subtopics

 * General Information
 * 1) Evolutionary Basis
 * Current Research
 * 1) Methods: Gene Expression
 * 2) Methods: Gene Sequencing
 * Clinical Significance
 * 1) Disease
 * 2) Emotional Development
 * Treatment Options
 * Further Implications
 * See Also
 * References

Individual Responsibilities
Alex will focus on researching the effects neurogenetics has on the emotional development of the brain, and any underlying implications connected to this. Wesley will focus on the disease aspect of neurogenetics and possible treatment options. Michael will explore current research methods in the neurogenetic field, including the practices of gene sequencing and analyzing gene expression. Kelsey will research the evolutionary foundations of neurogenetics and any additional general information. Any group member that finds a relevant article to a topic that he or she was not assigned is still responsible for either incorporating the information in that article into the larger project, or for directing it to the group member who is specializing in that area. The subcategories that we intend to research may be subject to change as our project progresses. Our group will choose a regular weekly time to meet that is agreeable to all the members’ schedules in order to collaborate and keep on track with the project.