Dr Francesca Fernandez

Position:

Research Fellow

Research activity:

Objective:
Identifying new signalling pathways involved in schizophrenia processes through genetic and protein studies
Background:
Schizophrenia grades among the top 10 causes of disability in developed countries worldwide. The aetiology of this disorder remains unclear despite intensive research, there is still no prognosis biologically and/or genetically based available.
Approach and expected outcome:
Using human brains and a DNA case-control population for schizophrenia, our research project will study the role of a specific group of proteins (ubiquitin) in the molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder in the aim to get a better understanding of this disease and to develop new prognosis test and adapted therapy. Francesca is also involved in Human genetics researches in addiction disorders and Alzheimer Disease.

Research Grants:

Internal Grants: URC Partnership Grant 2009
External Grants: IRT Foundation Grant 2009

Publications:

Searchable RIS publications from 2000 to date

Top 5 publications:

Fernandez F., Colson N., Lea R., Griffiths L. Association of functional polymorphism of DBH with Migraine. Neurogenetics. 2009 Feb 14
Fernandez F., Esposito T., Colson N.J., Gianfrancesco F., Griffiths L.R. Investigation of GABA A Receptors Genes and Migraine Susceptibility. BMC Medical Genetics, 2008 Dec 16;9:109.
Fernandez F., Colson N.J.,Griffiths L.R Pharmacogenetics of migraine: genetic variants and their role in migraine therapy. Review. Pharmacogenomics, 2007, Jun;8(6):609-22
Fernandez F., Sarre S., Launay J.M., Aguerre S., Guyonnet-Dupérat V., Moisan M.P. Ebinger G., Michotte Y., Mormède P., Chaouloff F. Rat strain differences in peripheral and central serotonin transporter protein expression and function. European Journal of Neuroscience; 2003; 17, 494-506.
Fernandez F., Aguerre S., Mormède P., Chaouloff F. Influences of the corticotropic axis and sympathetic activity on neurochemical consequences of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) administration in Fischer 344 rats. European Journal of Neuroscience; 2002; 16, 607-618.