Neuropsychiatric Disease

Illustration of a cross section of a human head in profile, showing the neuropsychiatric disease in the brain

The New York Genome Center is building upon its extensive collaborative work in autism genomic research to study a range of related neuropsychiatric disorders with overlapping molecular architecture, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Neuropsychiatric Disease
Working Group

The Neuropsychiatric Disease Working Group, led by Thomas Lehner, PhD, MPH, NYGC brings together researchers from our Institutional Founding Members, NYGC faculty, senior faculty, NYGC technology development and computational scientists, and affiliate members to discuss the underlying disease mechanisms in neuropsychiatric disease. The group is building off the large dataset produced by NYGC as part of the Centers for Common Disease Genomics, funded by the NHGRI. As part of this effort, NYGC generated whole genome sequencing data on over 37,000 individuals from families with at least one member affected by autism spectrum disorder. Currently the group is working on a number of initiatives studying the biological underpinnings of neuropsychiatric disorders including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other psychosis-related disorders.

One of the signature projects of the neuropsychiatric disease genomics program is the development of a patient-centric platform for precision psychiatry. The Genomic Medicine for Mental Health Advancement (GeMMA) initiative will be dedicated to providing patients with access to evidence-based mental health care and the integration of genetic and other biomarkers into prognosis, diagnosis, and clinical care. GeMMA’s initial target population are the historically underserved patients of the New York State mental health system who represent the full breadth and depth of diversity of New York State. The NYGC hosts regular Neuropsychiatric Disease Working Group Evening Lectures — check out our Events page for upcoming seminars.