Laboratory of A-to-I RNA editing and rare neurodevelopment disorders

Our research is dedicated to RNA editing and genetics/genomics of brain aging and neurological disorders. We are especially passionate about rare neurodevelopment disorders. We combine methodologies across human neurogenetics, computational biology, molecular biology, and cellular neuroscience. We have three main research foci:

1. We pioneer state of the art genomic investigations of monogenic neurodevelopment disorders.
2. We develop oligonucleotide-directed RNA editing therapeutics to treat these disorders.
3. We leverage large-scale transcriptomics to dissect RNA editing function and regulation in brain development, disease and aging.

LAB CULTURE AND PHILOSOPHY: In our lab, we prioritize and promote a healthy work/life balance as well as a positive, promotional, inclusive, respectful and productive lab culture. My primary focus as a mentor is to train, motivate and inspire the next-generation of academic and industry scientists – everyone’s journey is different! Ultimately, my ambition is for each member to make a positive scientific impact and to grow professionally through rigorous, ethical and highly original science and outreach. We work as part of a diverse cross-functional team of computational and experimental biologists. We also function as part of a highly collaborative environment in the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, the MINDICH Child Health and Development Institute and the Depts. of Genetics and Genomic Sciences and Psychiatry.

RESEARCH TOPICS: adenosine-to-inosine editing, mRNA secondary structure, brain development, autism spectrum disorder and syndromic subtypes, schizophrenia, neurodegeneration, aging, immunogenetics of developmental disorders, human genetics, gene and protein expression, alternative splicing, quantitative trait loci.

GENOMIC TECHNOLOGIES AND METHODS: WGS, WES, DNAm arrays, transcriptomics (single-cell RNA-seq, RNA-seq, long read isoform-sequencing), mass spectrometry proteomics and metabolomics, multi ‘omic’ computational models and tools, CRISPRi, fluorescence activated cell and nuclei sorting, cytometry time of flight, neuronal culturing, antisense oligonucleotides, hiPSC-derived neurons and neuronal model systems.

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Michael S. Breen, PhD (he/him)
Assistant Professor
I am the Principal Investigator of a terrific team specializing in human genetics and genomics, computational biology and cellular neuroscience. In 2008, I joined the Center of Genomic Regulation (Barcelona, Spain) as a Scientist where I developed statistical methods to measure epistatic interactions and their influence on complex traits. Later, I received a PhD in Genomics and Bioinformatics from the University of Southampton (United Kingdom) investigating epigenetic and transcriptomic mechanisms underlying a range of major neuropsychiatric disorders. In 2016, I started postdoctoral training in Molecular Psychiatry and Genomics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In 2019, I joined the Faculty at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai as Assistant Professor and started the Breen Lab in the Departments of Psychiatry and Genetics and Genomic Sciences. Our lab is also a proud member of the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment.

As a health scientist and epidemiologist, Olga’s work focuses on suboptimal pregnancy and neurodevelopmental aspects during childhood, linked with neuroimaging. She has worked on the Generation R Cohort at the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and conducted research on eating behaviours in association with brain morphology in children. After joining Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, her work focuses on maternal immune activation and brain outcomes, where she is also part of the Women’s Mental Health Program. Outside research, she enjoys long walks with friends and art expositions.