Investigators and Program Directors
Daniel R. Rosen
Research Scientist, Wadsworth Center, Immunology
Ph.D. Brandeis University
Postdoctoral training, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute,
Massachusetts General Hospital,
Harvard Medical School
Research Interests
Our laboratory is interested in understanding the biochemical mechanisms that cause human motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have collected DNA samples from families in which ALS is inherited as a genetic trait. We are using polymorphic DNA markers to analyze the genetics of these families, with the goal of identifying portions of chromosomes co-inherited with disease. This technique, called genetic linkage analysis, will reveal the chromosomal location of ALS-causing genes. We will then use positional cloning techniques such as exon amplification to identify the specific gene within each of these chromosomal segments causing ALS.
Using this method, we have previously identified one gene, SOD-1, on chromosome 21, that causes ALS when it is mutated. Mutations in SOD-1 are associated with only about 25% of familial ALS cases, indicating that at least one other gene in the human gemome is capable of independently causing ALS.
Although we are currently applying genetic linkage analysis/positional cloning to motor neuron diseases, these powerful techniques are well suited for application to a wide variety of heritable human diseases, including multiple sclerosis and prostate cancer.
Contact Information
E-mail: rosen@wadsworth.org.