Amelia Gallitano, MD, PhD

The Gallitano Lab investigates how genes that are activated in the brain in response to environmental stimuli influence neural processes that are disrupted in mental illnesses. Immediate early genes of the Early Growth Response (EGR) family are the first set of genes expressed in response to neuronal activity. As transcription factors they orchestrate the molecular response of brain cells and regulate processes including synaptic plasticity and memory formation. The EGRs genes are also associated with risk for neuropsychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.

Our basic science studies employ cutting edge molecular, pharmacologic, behavioral and bioinformatic approaches to elucidate the mechanisms by which environmental events leads to long-term changes in the brain. Our clinical translational studies focus on developing biomarkers and diagnostics for mental illnesses like schizophrenia.

Dr. Gallitano is committed to supporting the advancement of women and individuals from groups that are under-represented in the sciences and medicine and to mentoring trainees from all backgrounds who have a passion for neuroscience and medicine.

Research Interests: Neuropsychiatric disorders, gene-environment interactions, transcriptional regulation, translational psychiatry.