Christopher Gomez, M.D.,Ph.D.

Dr. Gomez’ research focuses on the genetic mutations that give rise to neurodegenerative diseases. His group recently discovered that multiple calcium channel genes encode two distinct proteins: a calcium channel protein and a novel transcription factor. For this project, he will examine how the two proteins function together, how mutations might lead their cooperation to break down, and how this coordination can be rescued. By understanding the role and function of these calcium channel genes, Dr. Gomez will be able to correlate these mutations with diverse, overlapping neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals, thereby informing novel therapies.