Genetic Variants of Dopamine & Serotonin Function in Schizophrenia evaluated by fMRI & SPECT Techniques

I will participate in complex functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Single-Photon-Emisson- Tomography (SPECT) studies of genetic variants in human dopamine and serotonin function that impact on the expression and activity of dopamine and serotonin receptor proteins, including D-1, D-2, . DAP, 5-HT-2, and 5- HTT, as well as dopamine mediated cognition with fMRI in schizophrenic patients and normal controls. As a result of my fellowship at the NIMH I will have the possibility to publish data on these topics. Furthermore, I will be trained in technical aspects of these radiodiagnostic and nuclear medicine methods, which will of great scientific and clinical value, since SPECT and fMRI facilities are already available at the Viennese University Hospital. This project can only be performed at the NIMH, since the conceptualization of this project is calling for a variety of specialists being only available at such huge research units like NIMH.