Jay Tischfield

Jay Tischfield is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Genetics at Rutgers University's School of Arts and Sciences and serves as the Executive Director of the Human Genetics Institute of New Jersey (HGINJ). His research focuses on medical and human genetics, particularly the genetics of somatic cells, mouse models for human diseases, and complex genetic disorders such as Tourette Disorder (TD), addiction, and cystinuria.

His research interests include psychiatric genetics, addiction biology, gene regulation mechanisms, and DNA instability/repair. He employs cutting-edge tools such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and genetically engineered mouse models to study the biological underpinnings of neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders. His work spans model organism development, human disease genetics (including cancer, CNS, and kidney disorders), and genetic mechanisms like loss of heterozygosity.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in psychiatric and neurogenetic research, particularly in Tourette Disorder, alcohol and cannabis dependence, and smoking behavior. Many studies use genome-wide association and polygenic scoring methods, often in collaboration with large consortia like COGA and TIC Genetics. There is also a significant translational component, especially in developing treatments for cystinuria using mouse models.

• Genome-wide association study identifies a novel locus for cannabis dependence
• Variation in SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complex Proteins is Associated with Alcohol Dependence and Antisocial Behavior
• β-Lipoic acid treatment prevents cystine urolithiasis in a mouse model of cystinuria
• De Novo Coding Variants Are Strongly Associated with Tourette Disorder
• CYP2A6 metabolism in the development of smoking behaviors in young adults

Dr. Tischfield leads a highly collaborative research program involving numerous national and international teams. His lab receives substantial grant support, evident from large-scale projects and consortia involvement. He mentors students and postdoctoral researchers, though specific names are not listed. His lab focuses on both basic mechanisms (e.g., DNA repair via SIRT7) and translational applications (e.g., drug development for cystinuria).

His laboratory, part of HGINJ, utilizes advanced technologies including iPSC derivation, mouse genetic engineering, and high-throughput genomics. The team works on multiple fronts: psychiatric genetics, addiction, and rare metabolic diseases, maintaining a strong presence in both human and model organism genetics.