Research Interests
- Biomarkers for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
- Molecular genetics of FASD
- Human pediatric tissue biobank
- Training of medical, graduate, and undergraduate students
We focus on the genetic and molecular changes in the brain caused by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) — a group of conditions that happen when a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy.
In collaboration with Dr. Michael Selzer’s lab, the Darbinian lab is studying tiny particles called exosomes. These indicate activity involved in brain cells such as neurons, oligodendrocytes, microglia, astrocytes, as well as synaptic proteins, and signaling molecules called cytokines/chemokines. Since exosomes can travel into the mother’s blood, they may allow doctors to detect brain changes related to FASD in a fetus using just a blood sample from the pregnant mother, without touching the baby.
We are also, in collaboration with Dr. Selzer’s lab and the Department of OB/GYN, doing clinical studies to determine how neuronal and oligodendrocyte loss is caused in FASD.
Education, Training & Credentials
- CAST Fellowship, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
- PhD, Genetics, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Moscow
- MS Molecular Genetics and Molecular Biology, Moscow State University
- MS Biotechnology and Cell Engineering, St. Petersburg State University
- BS, MS Microbiology, Chemistry, Yerevan State University