Margarita Behrens

Margarita Behrens, PhD, is a Research Professor in the Computational Neurobiology Laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Her work focuses on epigenetic mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. She examines how genes and environmental factors interact during critical developmental periods to influence brain circuit formation and disruption, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. Her team uses advanced techniques like methylation profiling and single-cell epigenomics to map neuronal subtypes and their epigenetic changes across lifespan.

Behrens holds a BS and MS in Biochemistry from the University of Chile, a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine. Her research has been recognized with awards including the NARSAD Young Investigator Award and the Kavli Institute Grant.

Her lab investigates the role of DNA methylation patterns in neuronal maturation and how disruptions contribute to mental disorders. Recent breakthroughs include creating the first whole-genome maps of DNA methylation in human and mouse prefrontal cortices. Collaborative efforts involve large consortia to build brain cell atlases, advancing interventions for neuropsychiatric disorders.

• Awards: Kavli Institute Grant (2018), NARSAD Young Investigator Awards (2009, 2004), European Molecular Biology Organization Fellowship (1991).
• Grants: NIH BRAIN Initiative, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative funding for Human Cell Atlas expansion.

Behrens emphasizes teamwork in science, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle complex brain questions. Her lab hosts multiple research assistants and graduate students, focusing on neural circuitry, epigenetics, and translational research.