Fisher Group
Research Overview
We are attempting to build the first bridges between genes, brains and human spoken language. Our work began by focusing on an important gene that we identified, known as FOXP2. People carrying damaged versions of FOXP2 have problems with their speech and language development. We apply state-of-the-art genetic and functional genomic techniques, using genes like FOXP2 as a unique molecular window into the key neural pathways. These web-pages include a more detailed description of our projects, an accessible overview for non-scientists, specific examples of our research, and links to our latest scientific publications. Our research benefits from a strong multidisciplinary remit, integrating data from diverse fields including psychology, neuroscience, genetics, developmental biology and evolutionary anthropology.
Note: Most of our research activities have recently relocated to the newly established Language and Genetics Department at the Max Planck Institute in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Recent Research Publications
French CA, Jin X, Campbell TG, Gerfen E, Groszer M, Fisher SE, Costa RM (2011) An aetiological Foxp2 mutation causes aberrant striatal activity and alters plasticity during skill learning. Mol. Psychiatry Aug 30. doi: 10.1038/mp.2011.105. [Epub ahead of print]
Vernes SC, Oliver PL, Spiteri E, Lockstone HE, Puliyadi R, Taylor JM, Ho J, Mombereau C, Brewer A, Lowy E, Nicod J, Groszer M, Baban D, Sahgal N, Cazier J-B, Ragoussis J, Davies KE, Geschwind DH, Fisher SE (2011) Foxp2 regulates gene networks implicated in neurite outgrowth in the developing brain. PLoS Genet. 7: e1002145
O’Roak BJ, Deriziotis P, Lee C, Vives L, Schwartz JJ, Girirajan S, Karakoc E, MacKenzie AP, Ng S, Baker C, Rieder M, Nickerson D, Bernier R, Fisher SE, Shendure J, Eichler EE (2011) Exome sequencing in sporadic autism spectrum disorders identifies severe de novo mutations. Nature Genet. 43: 585-9
Whitehouse AJO, Bishop DVM, Ang QW, Pennell CE, Fisher SE (2011) CNTNAP2 variants affect early language development in the general population. Genes Brain Behav. 10: 451-6
Vernes SC, Newbury DF, Abrahams BS, Winchester L, Nicod J, Groszer M, Alarcón M, Oliver PL, Davies KE, Geschwind DH, Monaco AP, Fisher SE (2008) A functional genetic link between distinct developmental language disorders. N. Engl. J. Med. 359: 2337-2345;
Groszer M, Keays DA, Deacon RMJ, de Bono JP, Prasad-Mulcare S, Gaub S, Baum MG, French CA, Nicod J, Coventry JA, Enard W, Fray M, Brown SDM, Nolan PM, Pääbo S, Channon KM, Costa RM, Eilers J, Ehret G, Rawlins JNP, Fisher SE (2008) Impaired synaptic plasticity and motor learning in mice with a point mutation implicated in human speech deficits. Curr. Biol. 18: 354-362
Funding Sources
Our research has been funded by diverse sources, including the Max Planck Society (Germany), the Royal Society (UK), the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (US), the Wellcome Trust (UK), the Medical Research Council (UK), the Sixth Framework Programme (EU) and Autism Speaks (US).
Keywords
Speech and language; FOXP2 gene; functional genomics; transcription factors; neurons; central nervous system; human evolution; neurodevelopmental disorders
Research Area
Neurogenetics