Tracking the impact of chromatin dysregulation on brain development and memory processes

Dr. Bérubé’s research intersects neuroscience and epigenetics with a focus on the role of chromatin regulators in intellectual disability, autism and schizophrenia. Using mouse genetics, her research group is investigating genes mutated in neurodevelopmental disorders that regulate chromatin topology, genomic integrity and gene expression during brain development, leading to cognitive deficits. Using molecular and cellular biology, genome-wide sequencing technologies, bioinformatics and behaviour testing of genetically engineered mice, her group is deciphering cell type-specific contributions of chromatin structure regulation to cognitive processes. The knowledge gained can eventually be used to design innovative, rational therapies to improve memory and other deficits in affected children.