Geschwind Neurogenetics Lab, UCLA Neurology

The Geschwind lab is interested in understanding the genetic basis of human cognitive specializations, autism and neurodegenerative diseases. We use a combination of genetic and neurobiological methods in our work and frequently collaborate laboratories with expertise in other disciplines, such as cognitive psychology, stem cells, neuroimaging, statistics and linguistics. One of our methodological focuses involves the application of genomic screening methods, such as cDNA microarray technology for gene expression analysis and gene discovery.

The largest collection of well-characterized families with autism and related disorders is publicly available for any qualified researcher to use and study. This includes cell lines and an on-line phenotypic database. A genome scan at 10 cM density has been completed. For more information click on the links.

Dr. Daniel H. Geschwind, M.D., Ph.D. Principal Investigator

Dr. Daniel Geschwind is the Gordon and Virginia MacDonald Distinguished Chair in Human Genetics and is a professor of neurology and psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine. He is director of the Neurogenetics Program and the Center for Autism Research and Treatment (CART) and co-director of the Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics at UCLA. Dr. Geschwind obtained an A.B. in psychology and chemistry at Dartmouth College and his M.D./Ph.D. at Yale School of Medicine prior to completing his internship, residency, and postdoctoral fellowship at UCLA. He joined the UCLA faculty in 1997. Link to biosketch

In addition to his research, Dr. Geschwind is active on the scientific advisory boards of the March of Dimes (Committee C), Cure Autism Now Foundation (now Autism Speaks), Faculty of 1000 Medicine, the Society for Neuroscience Program Committee and the NIMH Scientific Advisory Council. He received the Derek Denny-Brown Neurological Scholar Award from the American Neurological Association in 2004 and the Scientific Service Award from Autism Speaks in 2008.