Drug impacts on behaviour and epigenetics
We explore the role of drug actions may play to augment behaviours within and transcending generations. A combination of behavioural and molecular techniques will be adopted to explore the long-term consequences of certain stressors in the presence of current widely used drug therapies for treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy.
Not all stressors have detrimental effects. Mild food restriction has been shown to have beneficial outcomes for anxiety and maternal behaviour. The interactions between drug, environment and epigenetics will be investigated. DNA methylation will be explored in the context of epigenetics and drug actions in this context.
Aim
- Explore the role of drug actions may play to augment behaviours within and transcending generations.
This project will use a combination of behavioural and molecular techniques. Drug actions will be assessed behaviourally using a number of paradigms. Anxiety and fear are primary areas of investigation within this study. Behaviour will be explored in the context of an environmental stressor such as caloric restriction or noise stress. A primary focus is on the stress pathway and the autonomic responses.
For PhD candidates, scholarships (e.g top-up, partial and full) may be available for this project. Further information is available on request.
Research team
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If you’re interested in learning more about this project please contact our team.