My laboratory is focused on understanding nervous system disease using molecular genetic strategies, beginning with human patients and proceeding through in vitro and modeling studies, with the ultimate goal of improving diagnosis, management and treatment. We are currently defining and characterizing modifier genes for Huntington’s disease and neurofibromatosis and, as part of the Developmental Genome Anatomy Project, we are characterizing genes at breakpoints of balanced translocations associated with developmental abnormality. Finally, we are examining the mechanism of pathogenesis of genetic defects in autism/neurodevelopmental disorders, Huntington’s disease, and neurofibromatosis, using both iPS cells and model organisms, as we pursue assays to identify genetic and chemical modifiers, with the ultimate goal of contributing to effective rational therapies.