Laurence H. Tecott, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
In Residence of Psychiatry

Contact Information:
larry.tecott@ucsf.edu
Tel: (415) 476-7858
Fax: (415) 476-7838
1550 4th Street
Rock Hall, Room 448B
Box 2822

Links:
Neuroscience
PIBS
Biomedical Sciences

Publications

Molecular genetic analysis of serotonin systems and behavioral traits

Dr. Laurence Tecott's laboratory uses molecular genetic approaches to examine the contributions of serotonin (5-HT) receptors to the actions of neuropsychiatric drugs and to the genetic determination of complex behavioral traits. For example, the serotonergic control of feeding is being examined in studies of 5-HT receptor mutant mice. Animals lacking the 5-HT2C receptor subtype display chronically elevated food intake, leading to "middle-age" obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

These mice display reduced sensitivity to the appetite suppressant fenfluramine, further implicating this receptor as a target for antiobesity drug development. The genetic control of neural systems underlying anxiety and depression is another focus of investigation. Animals devoid of 5-HT1A receptors exhibit enhanced anxiety-like responses in a variety of behavioral assays and robust antidepressant-like responses in an animal model of depression. These animals exhibit markedly enhanced sensitivity to the effects of antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac).

Recent advances in gene targeting and gene expression technologies will facilitate studies of the mechanisms through which serotonin receptors modulate behavior and the actions of neuropsychiatric drugs.