Patrick McGowan

I am interested in the interaction between the genome and the environment. Effects that influence the way genes work without changing their DNA sequence are called "epigenetic" effects. I study epigenetic changes in brain systems that are important for behaviour and the response to stress.

In my lab, we use molecular neuroscience and systems biology approaches to study physiology and behaviour (phenotype). Our specific focus is on the role of parental factors early in life in altering the function of genes involved in the response to stress. We study a variety or organisms, from animals in the lab, to wild populations and humans.