Christopher A.  Walsh , MD, PhD

Walsh Lab Web site

The goal of our research, teaching and clinical role is to identify and ultimately to test new targets for neurological therapy by studying the genetic causes of epileptic neurological disease. This work involves an ongoing interaction with patients, other physicians, and the research laboratory.

My research laboratory consists of 16 postdoctoral fellows and visiting scientists, two full-time clinical genetic counselors, 3 graduate students, 3 technicians, and 2 undergraduate students.

We have in the last few years used positional cloning methods to identify about a dozen genes that cause human neurological illnesses such as mental retardation and epilepsy, when they are mutated. Most recently we have turned our attention to autism and analyzed the genetics of that condition.

We are presently trying to define the role that these genes play in the brain, by going back to study the patients, as well as to create animal models of disease.

I also see patients in clinic to provide diagnostic and prognostic information, and have a full-time genetic counselor to provide genetic advice. We have an ongoing effort to identify genes for other human disorders including autism, dyslexia, and other forms of mental retardation and epilepsy.