Genetic mapping in schizophrenia and analysis of candidate genes.
Schizophrenia is, for its prevalence (1%) and large clinical and social impact, one of the major public health problems. It is a complex disease with a clear genetic component. In this laboratory we perform case-control association studies for different polymorphisms of candidate genes such as cholecystokinin, dopaminergic and serotonergic receptors and neurodevelopmental genes (ASPM, FOXP2).

Genetic and environmental vulnerability to delayed language acquisition in young children.
Analysis of association between genetic and environmental variables in a sample of 800 children, with an emphasis on gene-environment interactions in the acquisition of language and temperament in children. Analysis of polymorphisms to test their potential functionality.

Genetics and model organism of Friedreich's ataxia.
Friedreich's ataxia is the most common form of hereditary ataxia, of early onset. The estimated prevalence is 2-4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in Spanish population. We intend to carry out the analysis of the function and regulation of gene of Drosophila melanogaster homologous to the gene responsible for Friedreich's ataxia, as well as to perform a pharmacological screening of compounds with therapeutic activity.