Brain Functioning:

Roger Janz, Ph.D., assistant professor of neurobiology and anatomy, Medical School and GSBS

Roger Janz, Ph.D.

Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia and depression – these are just a few examples of the many neurological and psychiatric diseases that result from a lack or an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. The properly regulated secretion of neurotransmitters – chemicals that transmit nerve impulses – is essential for normal functioning of the brain.

The work in Janz’s lab studies the role of a group of proteins called SV2s that are involved in the regulation of neurotransmitter release from nerve cells.

“During my postdoctoral training at UT Southwestern, I generated genetically engineered mice that are lacking these SV2 proteins,” he said. “Since moving to Houston, my lab has used these mice as tools to study the biological function of these proteins.

“Our studies have shown that SV2 proteins are involved in epilepsy, as well as certain forms of blindness,” Janz said. “By studying the exact mechanism by which SV2 proteins regulate neurotransmitter release, we hope to contribute to better understanding of the mechanism of different diseases. This understanding eventually can lead to better treatment of these illnesses.”