Marie E Gaine

Marie E Gaine, PhD is an Assistant Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics at the University of Iowa's College of Pharmacy. She holds secondary faculty appointment in Psychiatry and is affiliated with the Iowa Neuroscience Institute and Environmental Health Sciences Research Center. Her lab focuses on genetics/epigenetics in psychiatric disorders, particularly bipolar disorder and suicide risk, using DNA methylation, extracellular vesicles, and animal models.

Education:

• B.Sc. (Hons.) in Forensic Science and Biological Anthropology, John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland

Research Interests:

• Epigenetic mechanisms in psychiatric disorders
• Non-invasive biomarkers for precision medicine
• Sex-specific neurodevelopmental differences
• Environmental toxin exposure effects
• Lithium therapy epigenetic impacts

Her work integrates in vitro, in vivo, and human population studies to bridge basic science and clinical applications.

Key Achievements:

• Developed novel epigenetic biomarkers for suicide risk prediction
• Identified PRKAR1B gene mutations linked to neurodegeneration
• Recipient of NARSAD Young Investigator Award
• Established collaborative networks across psychiatry, neuroscience, and toxicology

Grants & Teams: - Leads the Gaine Lab with 8+ researchers - Co-directs the Iowa Neuroscience Institute's Mood Disorders Program - Holds Career Enhancement Award from Environmental Health Sciences Center - Collaborates with global institutions on epigenetic research consortia

Labs/Teams: Gaine Lab, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Environmental Health Sciences Research Center