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Neurogenetic Investigations of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disabling early-onset neuropsychiatric disorder with a clear genetic contribution to risk but unclear underlying pathophysiology, which has hindered the development of new treatments and interventions. This study uses high-throughput sequencing approaches to identify OCD risk genes, detect gene expression differences in OCD, and determine epigenetic signatures driving gene expression in OCD brain. These studies will improve our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of OCD and identify points of traction for mechanistic studies in model systems, ultimately leading to novel therapeutics, and reducing the significant morbidity and mortality associated with this disabling illness. Furthermore, insights gained in these studies can inform gene discovery approaches to other complex neuropsychiatric disorders.