Current neurological research indicates that the improper migration of neurons into subcortical white matter in humans may play a role in the etiology of schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, autism, and other psychological disorders. The purpose of this project was to isolate mRNA from both white and gray matter samples from mentally ill and healthy individuals in an effort to elucidate mRNA gene expression differences between white matter neurons and gray matter neurons, if any. These differences in gene expression may open new avenues of research and treatment in patients suffering from psychiatric disorders with genetic etiologies.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Neary, John David

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042412-111842

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2012

Sponsor

• UMASS Medical Center
• Dr. Schahram Akbarian

Date created

• 2012-04-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright

License

• All rights reserved