Qinghua Liu

Sleep exists in virtually all animals and is essential for viability and normal brain functions. However, the molecular circuit of sleep control is currently unknown. My laboratory will integrate biochemical, genetic and chemical biology approach to identify key genes for sleep-wake regulation. We use cutting-edge quantitative mass spectrometry technology to compare whole brain proteomes/phosphoproteomes of Sleepy mutant and sleep-deprived mice to gain novel insights into the molecular basis of homeostatic sleep regulation. On the other hand, fear is a basic emotion that enhances survival by triggering characteristic physiological and behavioral responses. Whereas learned fear is acquired by experience, innate fear is hardwired and genetically encoded. We developed a forward genetic screen to identify randomly mutagenized mice with abnormal innate fear responses. We hope that this unbiased fear screen will allow us to identify core fear genes, elucidate the molecular mechanism of fear, and reveal the genetic basis of human anxiety disorders.