Genetic Enhancement of the Endocannabinoid System in Mouse Models

About the project:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities and often intellectual disabilities. No effective treatment for the core symptoms of ASD is currently available. Studies suggest that the endocannabinoid system, a neuromodulating network involved in the regulation of emotional responses, behavioral reactivity to context and social interaction, has a role in the pathophysiology of ASD. In our project we intend to use genetic manipulations, in order to enhance the endocannabinoid system activity in mouse models for ASD. We hypothesize that this enhancement would alleviate the autistic mice social impairments in a single treatment.

Who am I?

A second year MD-PhD student under the supervision of Professor Daniel Offen, FMRC Campus, Sackler School of Medicine. My main research subject is the role of the endocannabinoid system in mouse models for Autism Spectrum Disorders. In my free time I volunteer at the PHR clinic in Jaffa, and enjoy long distance running and triathlons.