Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Pathophysiology

HEAD: Dr. Jerry Warsh
This section is devoted to investigating the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of the major psychoses, principally bipolar affective disorders and the molecular pharmacology of antibipolar and antidepressant medications. Through the past decade, the team has done ground-breaking research leading to the discovery of abnormalities in several intracellular signal transduction processes that play a critical role in the development of bipolar I disorder. During the next 5 years, research by the group will be focusing on identifying the molecular and genetic mechanisms leading to these abnormalities. In addition, the group will be evaluating the diagnostic value of measures of the cellular and molecular abnormalities already detected and their potential for predicting choice and response to specific types of medications in bipolar disorders.