Dr William Davies
(he/him)
MBiochem PhD FHEA
Reader
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
Research themes: Neuroscience, Endocrinology and Genetics
I am interested in the (epi)genetic, endocrine and immunological mechanisms underlying sex differences in brain function, behaviour and physiology. My work focusses on the role of genes on the sex chromosomes (i.e. the X and Y), which are asymmetrically inherited between the sexes: females inherit two X chromosomes (one from each parent), whereas males inherit just one X chromosome (invariably from their mother) and a Y chromosome from their father. Principal aims of my research are: a) to understand why the sexes are differentially vulnerable to neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and medical conditions, b) to understand the pathophysiology underlying psychological disorders associated with pregnancy and childbirth, and c) to help develop more effective sex-specific therapies. I am also interested in mental and physical health in skin conditions (particularly X-linked ichthyosis), and work with third sector organisations nationally and internationally (e.g. Ichthyosis Support Group UK and Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types (FIRST))
As Human Tissue Officer for School of Psychology, and a member of the University's Human Tissue Research Governance Committee, I am responsible for ensuring that any research involving human tissue samples is conducted lawfully. I am also the School of Psychology's representative on the University's Animal Welfare and Research Panel (AWARP). In MEDIC, I am Lead for the INSPIRE programme, a scheme run by Academy for Medical Sciences to encourage undergraduate medical, dentistry and veterinary students to participate in research activities.
Location summary
I am based in the Schools of Psychology (PSYCH) and Medicine (MEDIC) at Cardiff University. I am a member of the Behavioural Genetics Group (PSYCH/MEDIC), the Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics (MEDIC), the Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences (MEDIC) and the Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute (PSYCH/MEDIC).
Publication
2024
- Wren, G., O'Callaghan, P., Zaidi, A., Thompson, A., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2024. Monitoring heart rhythms in adult males with X-linked ichthyosis using wearable technology: a feasibility study. [Online]. Research Square. Available at: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5320157/v1
- Al-Enezi, E., Alghamdi, M., Al-Enezi, K., AlBalwi, M., Davies, W. and Eyaid, W. 2024. Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome in a 13-year-old girl with autistic spectrum disorder, dysmorphism, a right solitary kidney, and polycystic ovaries: a case report.. Journal of Medical Case Reports 18, article number: 422. (10.1186/s13256-024-04746-2)
- Alsubeeh, N. A., Almuqbil, M. A., Davies, W., Bertoli-Avella, A., Anikar, S., Zonic, E. and Eyaid, W. M. 2024. CCDC47 gene and trichohepatoneurodevelopmental syndrome: Report of the fifth and sixth cases from Saudi Arabia. The American Journal of Medical Genetics - Part A, article number: e63784. (10.1002/ajmg.a.63784)
- Wren, G., Flanagan, J., Underwood, J., Thompson, A., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2024. Memory, mood and associated neuroanatomy in individuals with steroid sulfatase deficiency (X-linked ichthyosis). Genes, Brain and Behavior 23(3), article number: e12893. (10.1111/gbb.12893)
- Wren, G. H. and Davies, W. 2024. Cardiac arrhythmia in individuals with steroid sulfatase deficiency (X linked ichthyosis): candidate anatomical and biochemical pathways. Essays in Biochemistry, article number: EBC20230098. (10.1042/EBC20230098)
2023
- Steventon, J. J. et al. 2023. Menopause age, reproductive span and hormone therapy duration predict the volume of medial temporal lobe brain structures in postmenopausal women. Psychoneuroendocrinology 158, article number: 106393. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106393)
- Wren, G. et al. 2023. Characterising heart rhythm abnormalities associated with Xp22.31 deletion. Journal of Medical Genetics 60, pp. 636-643. (10.1136/jmg-2022-108862)
2022
- Wren, G. H. and Davies, W. 2022. X-linked ichthyosis: New insights into a multi-system disorder. Skin Health and Disease 2(4), article number: e179. (10.1002/ski2.179)
- Hamshere, M. L., Files, C., Davies, W. and Anney, R. 2022. Embedding genomic research into teaching practice: the rewards and potential pitfalls. Genetics Society News 87, pp. 30-31.
- Wren, G., Humby, T., Thompson, A. and Davies, W. 2022. Mood symptoms, neurodevelopmental traits, and their contributory factors in X-linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris and psoriasis. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 47(6), pp. 1097-1108. (10.1111/ced.15116)
- Shepherd, F. and Davies, W. 2022. An update on the presentation, nosology, and causes of postpartum psychosis. Psychiatric Times 39(6), pp. 23-25.
- Brcic, L., Wren, G., Underwood, J., Kirov, G. and Davies, W. 2022. Comorbid medical issues in X-linked ichthyosis [Letter]. JID Innovations 2(3), article number: 100109. (10.1016/j.xjidi.2022.100109)
- Wren, G. and Davies, W. 2022. Sex-linked genetic mechanisms and atrial fibrillation risk. European Journal of Medical Genetics 65(4), article number: 104459. (10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104459)
2021
- Thippeswamy, H. and Davies, W. 2021. A new molecular risk pathway for postpartum mood disorders: clues from steroid sulfatase-deficient individuals. Archives of Women's Mental Health 24, pp. 391-401. (10.1007/s00737-020-01093-1)
- Davies, W. 2021. The contribution of Xp22.31 gene dosage to Turner and Klinefelter syndromes and sex-biased phenotypes. European Journal of Medical Genetics 64(4), article number: 104169. (10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104169)
2020
- Brcic, L., Underwood, J., Kendall, K., Caseras, X., Kirov, G. and Davies, W. 2020. Medical and neurobehavioural phenotypes in carriers of X-linked ichthyosis-associated genetic deletions in the UK Biobank. Journal of Medical Genetics 57(10), pp. 692-698. (10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106676)
- Gubb, S., Brcic, L., Underwood, J., Kendall, K., Caseras, X., Kirov, G. and Davies, W. 2020. Medical and neurobehavioural phenotypes in male and female carriers of Xp22.31 duplications in the UK Biobank. Human Molecular Genetics 29(17), pp. 2872-2881. (10.1093/hmg/ddaa174)
- Humby, T. et al. 2020. Effects of 5-HT2C, 5-HT1A receptor challenges and modafinil on the initiation and persistence of gambling behaviours. Psychopharmacology 237, pp. 1745-1756. (10.1007/s00213-020-05496-x)
2019
- Davies, W. 2019. An analysis of Cellular Communication Network (CCN) proteins as candidate mediators of postpartum psychosis risk. Frontiers in Psychiatry 10, article number: 876. (10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00876)
- O'Brien, H. et al. 2019. Sex differences in gene expression in the human fetal brain. [Online]. bioRxiv. (10.1101/483636) Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/483636
- Cavenagh, A., Chatterjee, S. and Davies, W. 2019. Behavioural and psychiatric phenotypes in female carriers of genetic mutations associated with X-linked ichthyosis. PLoS ONE 14(2), article number: e0212330. (10.1371/journal.pone.0212330)
- Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. 2019. Editorial overview: special issue on epigenetics and genomic imprinting. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 25, pp. iii-v. (10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.12.006)
- Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2019. Brain gene expression in a novel mouse model of postpartum mood disorder. Translational Neuroscience 10(1), pp. 168-174. (10.1515/tnsci-2019-0030)
2018
- Dazzan, P., Fusté, M. and Davies, W. 2018. Do defective immune system-mediated myelination processes increase postpartum psychosis risk?. Trends in Molecular Medicine 24(11), pp. 942-949. (10.1016/j.molmed.2018.09.002)
- Davies, W. 2018. Sulfation pathways: The steroid sulfate axis and its relationship to maternal behaviour and mental health. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 61, pp. T199-T210. (10.1530/JME-17-0219)
- Richards, G., Davies, W., Stewart-Williams, S., Bellin, W. and Reed, P. 2018. 2D:4D digit ratio and religiosity in university student and general population samples. Transpersonal Psychology Review 20(1), pp. 23-36.
2017
- Malik, A. et al. 2017. X-linked ichthyosis associated with psychosis and behavioral abnormalities: a case report. Journal of Medical Case Reports 11, article number: 267. (10.1186/s13256-017-1420-2)
- Richards, G., Bellin, W. and Davies, W. 2017. Familial digit ratio (2D:4D) associations in a general population sample from Wales. Early Human Development 112, pp. 14-19. (10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2017.06.006)
- Green, T., Naylor, P. and Davies, W. 2017. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in phenotypically-similar neurogenetic conditions: Turner syndrome and the RASopathies. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 9(25), pp. 794-802. (10.1186/s11689-017-9205-x)
- Davies, W. 2017. Understanding the pathophysiology of postpartum psychosis: challenges and new approaches. World Journal of Psychiatry 7(2), pp. 77-88., article number: http://dx.doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v7.i2.77. (10.5498/wjp.v7.i2.77)
- Humby, T. et al. 2017. A genetic variant within STS previously associated with inattention in boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is associated with enhanced cognition in healthy adult males. Brain and Behavior 7(3), article number: e00646. (10.1002/brb3.646)
2016
- Humby, T., Cross, E. S., Messer, L., Guerrero, S. and Davies, W. 2016. A pharmacological mouse model suggests a novel risk pathway for postpartum psychosis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 74, pp. 363-370. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.09.019)
- Davies, W. 2016. Insights into rare diseases from social media surveys. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 11, article number: 151. (10.1186/s13023-016-0532-x)
- Chatterjee, S., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2016. Behavioural and psychiatric phenotypes in men and boys with X-linked ichthyosis: evidence from a worldwide online survey. PLoS ONE 11(10), pp. e0164417., article number: e0164417. (10.1371/journal.pone.0164417)
2015
- Hinton, R., Opoka, A., Ojarikre, O. A., Wilkinson, L. S. and Davies, W. 2015. Preliminary evidence for aortopathy and an x-linked parent-of-origin effect on aortic valve malformation in a mouse model of Turner syndrome. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease 2(3), pp. 190-199. (10.3390/jcdd2030190)
- Davies, W. and Duncan, L. 2015. Editorial overview: Behavioral genetics. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 2, pp. v-vii. (10.1016/j.cobeha.2014.12.002)
2014
- Davies, W., Humby, T., Trent, S., Eddy, J. B., Ojarikre, O. A. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2014. Genetic and pharmacological modulation of the steroid sulfatase axis improves response control; comparison to drugs used in ADHD. Neuropsychopharmacology 39, pp. 2622-2632. (10.1038/npp.2014.115)
- Davies, W. 2014. Sex differences in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Candidate genetic and endocrine mechanisms. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 35(3), pp. 331-346. (10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.03.003)
- Trent, S., Fry, J. P., Ojarikre, O. A. and Davies, W. 2014. Altered brain gene expression but not steroid biochemistry in a genetic mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorder. Molecular Autism 5(1), article number: 21. (10.1186/2040-2392-5-21)
2013
- van den Bos, R. et al. 2013. Cross-species approaches to pathological gambling: A review targeting sex differences, adolescent vulnerability and ecological validity of research tools. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 37(10.2), pp. 2454-2471. (10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.07.005)
- Kopsida, E., Lynn, P. M., Humby, T., Wilkinson, L. S. and Davies, W. 2013. Dissociable effects of sry and sex chromosome complement on activity, feeding and anxiety-related behaviours in mice. PLoS ONE 8(8), article number: e73699. (10.1371/journal.pone.0073699)
- Trent, S. et al. 2013. Biological mechanisms associated with increased perseveration and hyperactivity in a genetic mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 38(8), pp. 1370-1380. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.12.002)
- Trent, S. and Davies, W. 2013. Cognitive, behavioural and psychiatric phenotypes associated with steroid sulfatase deficiency. World Journal of Translational Medicine 2(1), pp. 1-12. (10.5528/wjtm.v2.i1.1)
- Davies, W. 2013. Using mouse models to investigate sex-linked genetic effects on brain, behaviour and vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders. Brain Research Bulletin 92, pp. 12-20. (10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.06.018)
2012
- Trent, S., Cassano, T., Bedse, G., Ojarikre, O. A., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2012. Altered serotonergic function may partially account for behavioral endophenotypes in steroid sulfatase-deficient mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 37(5), pp. 1267-1274. (10.1038/npp.2011.314)
- Trent, S., Dennehy, A., Richardson, H., Ojarikre, O. A., Burgoyne, P. S., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2012. Steroid sulfatase-deficient mice exhibit endophenotypes relevant to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 37(2), pp. 221-229. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.06.006)
- Davies, W. 2012. Does steroid sulfatase deficiency influence postpartum psychosis risk?. Trends in Molecular Medicine 18(5), pp. 256-262. (10.1016/j.molmed.2012.03.001)
2011
- Stergiakouli, E. et al. 2011. Steroid sulfatase is a potential modifier of cognition in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Genes Brain and Behavior 10(3), pp. 334-344. (10.1111/j.1601-183x.2010.00672.x)
- Kopsida, E., Mikaelsson, M. A. and Davies, W. 2011. The role of imprinted genes in mediating susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders. Hormones and Behavior 59(3), pp. 375-382. (10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.04.005)
- Davies, W. 2011. Functional themes from psychiatric genome-wide screens. Frontiers in Genetics 2, article number: 89. (10.3389/fgene.2011.00089)
- Lynn, P. M., Stergiakouli, E. and Davies, W. 2011. The genomics of Turner syndrome and sex-biased neuropsychiatric disorders. In: Clelland, J. D. ed. Genomics, proteomics, and the nervous system. Advances in neurobiology Vol. 2. Springer, pp. 3-20.
- Trent, S. and Davies, W. 2011. The influence of sex-linked genetic mechanisms on attention and impulsivity. Biological Psychology 89(1), pp. 1-13. (10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.09.011)
2010
- Davies, W. 2010. Genomic imprinting on the X chromosome: implications for brain and behavioral phenotypes. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1204(s1), pp. 14-19. (10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05567.x)
2009
- Davies, W., Humby, T., Kong, W., Otter, T. L., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2009. Converging pharmacological and genetic evidence indicates a role for steroid sulfatase in attention. Biological Psychiatry 66(4), pp. 360-367. (10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.01.001)
- Kopsida, E., Stergiakouli, E., Lynn, P. E., Wilkinson, L. and Davies, W. 2009. The Role of the Y Chromosome in Brain Function. The Open Neuroendocrinology Journal 2, pp. 20-30.
- Kopsida, E., Stergiakouli, E., Lynn, P. M., Wilkinson, L. S. and Davies, W. 2009. The Role of the Y Chromosome in Brain Function. Open Neuroendocrinology Journal 2(1), pp. 20-30. (10.2174/1876528900902010020)
2008
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain?. In: Wilkins, J. F. ed. Genomic Imprinting. Advances in experimental medicine and biology Vol. 626. Berlin: Springer, pp. 62-70., (10.1007/978-0-387-77576-0_5)
- Davies, W., Lynn, P. M. Y., Relkovic, D. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. Imprinted genes and neuroendocrine function. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 29(3), pp. 413-427. (10.1016/j.yfrne.2007.12.001)
- Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2008. Genomic imprinting and disorders of the social brain; shades of grey rather than black and white. Behavioral and Brain Sciences 31(3), pp. 265-266. (10.1017/S0140525X08004263)
2007
- Wilkinson, L. S., Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2007. Genomic imprinting effects on brain development and function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 8(11), pp. 832-843. (10.1038/nrn2235)
- Davies, W., Humby, T., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. X-monosomy effects on visuospatial attention in mice: a candidate gene and implications for Turner syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Biological psychiatry 61(12), pp. 1351-1360. (10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.08.011)
- Lynn, P. M. and Davies, W. 2007. The 39,XO mouse as a model for the neurobiology of Turner syndrome and sex-biased neuropsychiatric disorders. Behavioural Brain Research 179(2), pp. 173-182. (10.1016/j.bbr.2007.02.013)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain? [Review]. Epigenetics 2(4), pp. 201-206. (10.4161/epi.2.4.5379)
2006
- Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. It is not all hormones: Alternative explanations for sexual differentiation of the brain. Brain Research 1126(1), pp. 36-45. (10.1016/j.brainres.2006.09.105)
- Isles, A. R., Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. Genomic imprinting and the social brain. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B - Biological Sciences 361(1476), pp. 2229-2237. (10.1098/rstb.2006.1942)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. X-linked imprinting: effects on brain and behaviour. Bioessays 28(1), pp. 35-44. (10.1002/bies.20341)
2005
- Davies, W. et al. 2005. Xlr3b is a new imprinted candidate for X-linked parent-of-origin effects on cognitive function in mice. Nature Genetics 37(6), pp. 625-629. (10.1038/ng1577)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2005. Imprinted gene expression in the brain. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 29(3), pp. 421-430. (10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.11.007)
2004
- Davies, W., Smith, R. J., Kelsey, G. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Expression patterns of the novel imprinted genes Nap1l5 and Peg13 and their non-imprinted host genes in the adult mouse brain. Gene Expression Patterns 4(6), pp. 741-747. (10.1016/j.modgep.2004.03.008)
- Isles, A. R., Davies, W., Burrmann, D., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Effects on fear reactivity in XO mice are due to haploinsufficiency of a non-PAR X gene: implications for emotional function in Turner's syndrome. Human Molecular Genetics 13(17), pp. 1849-1855. (10.1093/hmg/ddh203)
2001
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2001. Imprinted genes and mental dysfunction. Annals of Medicine 33(6), pp. 428-436. (10.3109/07853890108995956)
1999
- Humby, T., Laird, F. M., Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 1999. Visuospatial attentional functioning in mice: interactions between cholinergic manipulations and genotype. European Journal of Neuroscience 11(8), pp. 2813-2823. (10.1046/j.1460-9568.1999.00701.x)
Articles
- Al-Enezi, E., Alghamdi, M., Al-Enezi, K., AlBalwi, M., Davies, W. and Eyaid, W. 2024. Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome in a 13-year-old girl with autistic spectrum disorder, dysmorphism, a right solitary kidney, and polycystic ovaries: a case report.. Journal of Medical Case Reports 18, article number: 422. (10.1186/s13256-024-04746-2)
- Alsubeeh, N. A., Almuqbil, M. A., Davies, W., Bertoli-Avella, A., Anikar, S., Zonic, E. and Eyaid, W. M. 2024. CCDC47 gene and trichohepatoneurodevelopmental syndrome: Report of the fifth and sixth cases from Saudi Arabia. The American Journal of Medical Genetics - Part A, article number: e63784. (10.1002/ajmg.a.63784)
- Wren, G., Flanagan, J., Underwood, J., Thompson, A., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2024. Memory, mood and associated neuroanatomy in individuals with steroid sulfatase deficiency (X-linked ichthyosis). Genes, Brain and Behavior 23(3), article number: e12893. (10.1111/gbb.12893)
- Wren, G. H. and Davies, W. 2024. Cardiac arrhythmia in individuals with steroid sulfatase deficiency (X linked ichthyosis): candidate anatomical and biochemical pathways. Essays in Biochemistry, article number: EBC20230098. (10.1042/EBC20230098)
- Steventon, J. J. et al. 2023. Menopause age, reproductive span and hormone therapy duration predict the volume of medial temporal lobe brain structures in postmenopausal women. Psychoneuroendocrinology 158, article number: 106393. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106393)
- Wren, G. et al. 2023. Characterising heart rhythm abnormalities associated with Xp22.31 deletion. Journal of Medical Genetics 60, pp. 636-643. (10.1136/jmg-2022-108862)
- Wren, G. H. and Davies, W. 2022. X-linked ichthyosis: New insights into a multi-system disorder. Skin Health and Disease 2(4), article number: e179. (10.1002/ski2.179)
- Hamshere, M. L., Files, C., Davies, W. and Anney, R. 2022. Embedding genomic research into teaching practice: the rewards and potential pitfalls. Genetics Society News 87, pp. 30-31.
- Wren, G., Humby, T., Thompson, A. and Davies, W. 2022. Mood symptoms, neurodevelopmental traits, and their contributory factors in X-linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris and psoriasis. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 47(6), pp. 1097-1108. (10.1111/ced.15116)
- Shepherd, F. and Davies, W. 2022. An update on the presentation, nosology, and causes of postpartum psychosis. Psychiatric Times 39(6), pp. 23-25.
- Brcic, L., Wren, G., Underwood, J., Kirov, G. and Davies, W. 2022. Comorbid medical issues in X-linked ichthyosis [Letter]. JID Innovations 2(3), article number: 100109. (10.1016/j.xjidi.2022.100109)
- Wren, G. and Davies, W. 2022. Sex-linked genetic mechanisms and atrial fibrillation risk. European Journal of Medical Genetics 65(4), article number: 104459. (10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104459)
- Thippeswamy, H. and Davies, W. 2021. A new molecular risk pathway for postpartum mood disorders: clues from steroid sulfatase-deficient individuals. Archives of Women's Mental Health 24, pp. 391-401. (10.1007/s00737-020-01093-1)
- Davies, W. 2021. The contribution of Xp22.31 gene dosage to Turner and Klinefelter syndromes and sex-biased phenotypes. European Journal of Medical Genetics 64(4), article number: 104169. (10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104169)
- Brcic, L., Underwood, J., Kendall, K., Caseras, X., Kirov, G. and Davies, W. 2020. Medical and neurobehavioural phenotypes in carriers of X-linked ichthyosis-associated genetic deletions in the UK Biobank. Journal of Medical Genetics 57(10), pp. 692-698. (10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106676)
- Gubb, S., Brcic, L., Underwood, J., Kendall, K., Caseras, X., Kirov, G. and Davies, W. 2020. Medical and neurobehavioural phenotypes in male and female carriers of Xp22.31 duplications in the UK Biobank. Human Molecular Genetics 29(17), pp. 2872-2881. (10.1093/hmg/ddaa174)
- Humby, T. et al. 2020. Effects of 5-HT2C, 5-HT1A receptor challenges and modafinil on the initiation and persistence of gambling behaviours. Psychopharmacology 237, pp. 1745-1756. (10.1007/s00213-020-05496-x)
- Davies, W. 2019. An analysis of Cellular Communication Network (CCN) proteins as candidate mediators of postpartum psychosis risk. Frontiers in Psychiatry 10, article number: 876. (10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00876)
- Cavenagh, A., Chatterjee, S. and Davies, W. 2019. Behavioural and psychiatric phenotypes in female carriers of genetic mutations associated with X-linked ichthyosis. PLoS ONE 14(2), article number: e0212330. (10.1371/journal.pone.0212330)
- Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. 2019. Editorial overview: special issue on epigenetics and genomic imprinting. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 25, pp. iii-v. (10.1016/j.cobeha.2018.12.006)
- Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2019. Brain gene expression in a novel mouse model of postpartum mood disorder. Translational Neuroscience 10(1), pp. 168-174. (10.1515/tnsci-2019-0030)
- Dazzan, P., Fusté, M. and Davies, W. 2018. Do defective immune system-mediated myelination processes increase postpartum psychosis risk?. Trends in Molecular Medicine 24(11), pp. 942-949. (10.1016/j.molmed.2018.09.002)
- Davies, W. 2018. Sulfation pathways: The steroid sulfate axis and its relationship to maternal behaviour and mental health. Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 61, pp. T199-T210. (10.1530/JME-17-0219)
- Richards, G., Davies, W., Stewart-Williams, S., Bellin, W. and Reed, P. 2018. 2D:4D digit ratio and religiosity in university student and general population samples. Transpersonal Psychology Review 20(1), pp. 23-36.
- Malik, A. et al. 2017. X-linked ichthyosis associated with psychosis and behavioral abnormalities: a case report. Journal of Medical Case Reports 11, article number: 267. (10.1186/s13256-017-1420-2)
- Richards, G., Bellin, W. and Davies, W. 2017. Familial digit ratio (2D:4D) associations in a general population sample from Wales. Early Human Development 112, pp. 14-19. (10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2017.06.006)
- Green, T., Naylor, P. and Davies, W. 2017. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in phenotypically-similar neurogenetic conditions: Turner syndrome and the RASopathies. Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 9(25), pp. 794-802. (10.1186/s11689-017-9205-x)
- Davies, W. 2017. Understanding the pathophysiology of postpartum psychosis: challenges and new approaches. World Journal of Psychiatry 7(2), pp. 77-88., article number: http://dx.doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v7.i2.77. (10.5498/wjp.v7.i2.77)
- Humby, T. et al. 2017. A genetic variant within STS previously associated with inattention in boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is associated with enhanced cognition in healthy adult males. Brain and Behavior 7(3), article number: e00646. (10.1002/brb3.646)
- Humby, T., Cross, E. S., Messer, L., Guerrero, S. and Davies, W. 2016. A pharmacological mouse model suggests a novel risk pathway for postpartum psychosis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 74, pp. 363-370. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.09.019)
- Davies, W. 2016. Insights into rare diseases from social media surveys. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases 11, article number: 151. (10.1186/s13023-016-0532-x)
- Chatterjee, S., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2016. Behavioural and psychiatric phenotypes in men and boys with X-linked ichthyosis: evidence from a worldwide online survey. PLoS ONE 11(10), pp. e0164417., article number: e0164417. (10.1371/journal.pone.0164417)
- Hinton, R., Opoka, A., Ojarikre, O. A., Wilkinson, L. S. and Davies, W. 2015. Preliminary evidence for aortopathy and an x-linked parent-of-origin effect on aortic valve malformation in a mouse model of Turner syndrome. Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease 2(3), pp. 190-199. (10.3390/jcdd2030190)
- Davies, W. and Duncan, L. 2015. Editorial overview: Behavioral genetics. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences 2, pp. v-vii. (10.1016/j.cobeha.2014.12.002)
- Davies, W., Humby, T., Trent, S., Eddy, J. B., Ojarikre, O. A. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2014. Genetic and pharmacological modulation of the steroid sulfatase axis improves response control; comparison to drugs used in ADHD. Neuropsychopharmacology 39, pp. 2622-2632. (10.1038/npp.2014.115)
- Davies, W. 2014. Sex differences in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Candidate genetic and endocrine mechanisms. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 35(3), pp. 331-346. (10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.03.003)
- Trent, S., Fry, J. P., Ojarikre, O. A. and Davies, W. 2014. Altered brain gene expression but not steroid biochemistry in a genetic mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorder. Molecular Autism 5(1), article number: 21. (10.1186/2040-2392-5-21)
- van den Bos, R. et al. 2013. Cross-species approaches to pathological gambling: A review targeting sex differences, adolescent vulnerability and ecological validity of research tools. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 37(10.2), pp. 2454-2471. (10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.07.005)
- Kopsida, E., Lynn, P. M., Humby, T., Wilkinson, L. S. and Davies, W. 2013. Dissociable effects of sry and sex chromosome complement on activity, feeding and anxiety-related behaviours in mice. PLoS ONE 8(8), article number: e73699. (10.1371/journal.pone.0073699)
- Trent, S. et al. 2013. Biological mechanisms associated with increased perseveration and hyperactivity in a genetic mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 38(8), pp. 1370-1380. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.12.002)
- Trent, S. and Davies, W. 2013. Cognitive, behavioural and psychiatric phenotypes associated with steroid sulfatase deficiency. World Journal of Translational Medicine 2(1), pp. 1-12. (10.5528/wjtm.v2.i1.1)
- Davies, W. 2013. Using mouse models to investigate sex-linked genetic effects on brain, behaviour and vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders. Brain Research Bulletin 92, pp. 12-20. (10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.06.018)
- Trent, S., Cassano, T., Bedse, G., Ojarikre, O. A., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2012. Altered serotonergic function may partially account for behavioral endophenotypes in steroid sulfatase-deficient mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 37(5), pp. 1267-1274. (10.1038/npp.2011.314)
- Trent, S., Dennehy, A., Richardson, H., Ojarikre, O. A., Burgoyne, P. S., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2012. Steroid sulfatase-deficient mice exhibit endophenotypes relevant to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 37(2), pp. 221-229. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.06.006)
- Davies, W. 2012. Does steroid sulfatase deficiency influence postpartum psychosis risk?. Trends in Molecular Medicine 18(5), pp. 256-262. (10.1016/j.molmed.2012.03.001)
- Stergiakouli, E. et al. 2011. Steroid sulfatase is a potential modifier of cognition in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Genes Brain and Behavior 10(3), pp. 334-344. (10.1111/j.1601-183x.2010.00672.x)
- Kopsida, E., Mikaelsson, M. A. and Davies, W. 2011. The role of imprinted genes in mediating susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders. Hormones and Behavior 59(3), pp. 375-382. (10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.04.005)
- Davies, W. 2011. Functional themes from psychiatric genome-wide screens. Frontiers in Genetics 2, article number: 89. (10.3389/fgene.2011.00089)
- Trent, S. and Davies, W. 2011. The influence of sex-linked genetic mechanisms on attention and impulsivity. Biological Psychology 89(1), pp. 1-13. (10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.09.011)
- Davies, W. 2010. Genomic imprinting on the X chromosome: implications for brain and behavioral phenotypes. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1204(s1), pp. 14-19. (10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05567.x)
- Davies, W., Humby, T., Kong, W., Otter, T. L., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2009. Converging pharmacological and genetic evidence indicates a role for steroid sulfatase in attention. Biological Psychiatry 66(4), pp. 360-367. (10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.01.001)
- Kopsida, E., Stergiakouli, E., Lynn, P. E., Wilkinson, L. and Davies, W. 2009. The Role of the Y Chromosome in Brain Function. The Open Neuroendocrinology Journal 2, pp. 20-30.
- Kopsida, E., Stergiakouli, E., Lynn, P. M., Wilkinson, L. S. and Davies, W. 2009. The Role of the Y Chromosome in Brain Function. Open Neuroendocrinology Journal 2(1), pp. 20-30. (10.2174/1876528900902010020)
- Davies, W., Lynn, P. M. Y., Relkovic, D. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. Imprinted genes and neuroendocrine function. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 29(3), pp. 413-427. (10.1016/j.yfrne.2007.12.001)
- Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2008. Genomic imprinting and disorders of the social brain; shades of grey rather than black and white. Behavioral and Brain Sciences 31(3), pp. 265-266. (10.1017/S0140525X08004263)
- Wilkinson, L. S., Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2007. Genomic imprinting effects on brain development and function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 8(11), pp. 832-843. (10.1038/nrn2235)
- Davies, W., Humby, T., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. X-monosomy effects on visuospatial attention in mice: a candidate gene and implications for Turner syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Biological psychiatry 61(12), pp. 1351-1360. (10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.08.011)
- Lynn, P. M. and Davies, W. 2007. The 39,XO mouse as a model for the neurobiology of Turner syndrome and sex-biased neuropsychiatric disorders. Behavioural Brain Research 179(2), pp. 173-182. (10.1016/j.bbr.2007.02.013)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain? [Review]. Epigenetics 2(4), pp. 201-206. (10.4161/epi.2.4.5379)
- Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. It is not all hormones: Alternative explanations for sexual differentiation of the brain. Brain Research 1126(1), pp. 36-45. (10.1016/j.brainres.2006.09.105)
- Isles, A. R., Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. Genomic imprinting and the social brain. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B - Biological Sciences 361(1476), pp. 2229-2237. (10.1098/rstb.2006.1942)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. X-linked imprinting: effects on brain and behaviour. Bioessays 28(1), pp. 35-44. (10.1002/bies.20341)
- Davies, W. et al. 2005. Xlr3b is a new imprinted candidate for X-linked parent-of-origin effects on cognitive function in mice. Nature Genetics 37(6), pp. 625-629. (10.1038/ng1577)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2005. Imprinted gene expression in the brain. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 29(3), pp. 421-430. (10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.11.007)
- Davies, W., Smith, R. J., Kelsey, G. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Expression patterns of the novel imprinted genes Nap1l5 and Peg13 and their non-imprinted host genes in the adult mouse brain. Gene Expression Patterns 4(6), pp. 741-747. (10.1016/j.modgep.2004.03.008)
- Isles, A. R., Davies, W., Burrmann, D., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Effects on fear reactivity in XO mice are due to haploinsufficiency of a non-PAR X gene: implications for emotional function in Turner's syndrome. Human Molecular Genetics 13(17), pp. 1849-1855. (10.1093/hmg/ddh203)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2001. Imprinted genes and mental dysfunction. Annals of Medicine 33(6), pp. 428-436. (10.3109/07853890108995956)
- Humby, T., Laird, F. M., Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 1999. Visuospatial attentional functioning in mice: interactions between cholinergic manipulations and genotype. European Journal of Neuroscience 11(8), pp. 2813-2823. (10.1046/j.1460-9568.1999.00701.x)
Book sections
- Lynn, P. M., Stergiakouli, E. and Davies, W. 2011. The genomics of Turner syndrome and sex-biased neuropsychiatric disorders. In: Clelland, J. D. ed. Genomics, proteomics, and the nervous system. Advances in neurobiology Vol. 2. Springer, pp. 3-20.
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain?. In: Wilkins, J. F. ed. Genomic Imprinting. Advances in experimental medicine and biology Vol. 626. Berlin: Springer, pp. 62-70., (10.1007/978-0-387-77576-0_5)
Websites
- Wren, G., O'Callaghan, P., Zaidi, A., Thompson, A., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2024. Monitoring heart rhythms in adult males with X-linked ichthyosis using wearable technology: a feasibility study. [Online]. Research Square. Available at: https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5320157/v1
- O'Brien, H. et al. 2019. Sex differences in gene expression in the human fetal brain. [Online]. bioRxiv. (10.1101/483636) Available at: https://doi.org/10.1101/483636
- Dazzan, P., Fusté, M. and Davies, W. 2018. Do defective immune system-mediated myelination processes increase postpartum psychosis risk?. Trends in Molecular Medicine 24(11), pp. 942-949. (10.1016/j.molmed.2018.09.002)
- Davies, W., Humby, T., Trent, S., Eddy, J. B., Ojarikre, O. A. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2014. Genetic and pharmacological modulation of the steroid sulfatase axis improves response control; comparison to drugs used in ADHD. Neuropsychopharmacology 39, pp. 2622-2632. (10.1038/npp.2014.115)
- Davies, W. 2014. Sex differences in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Candidate genetic and endocrine mechanisms. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 35(3), pp. 331-346. (10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.03.003)
- Trent, S., Fry, J. P., Ojarikre, O. A. and Davies, W. 2014. Altered brain gene expression but not steroid biochemistry in a genetic mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorder. Molecular Autism 5(1), article number: 21. (10.1186/2040-2392-5-21)
- van den Bos, R. et al. 2013. Cross-species approaches to pathological gambling: A review targeting sex differences, adolescent vulnerability and ecological validity of research tools. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 37(10.2), pp. 2454-2471. (10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.07.005)
- Kopsida, E., Lynn, P. M., Humby, T., Wilkinson, L. S. and Davies, W. 2013. Dissociable effects of sry and sex chromosome complement on activity, feeding and anxiety-related behaviours in mice. PLoS ONE 8(8), article number: e73699. (10.1371/journal.pone.0073699)
- Trent, S. et al. 2013. Biological mechanisms associated with increased perseveration and hyperactivity in a genetic mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 38(8), pp. 1370-1380. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.12.002)
- Trent, S. and Davies, W. 2013. Cognitive, behavioural and psychiatric phenotypes associated with steroid sulfatase deficiency. World Journal of Translational Medicine 2(1), pp. 1-12. (10.5528/wjtm.v2.i1.1)
- Davies, W. 2013. Using mouse models to investigate sex-linked genetic effects on brain, behaviour and vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders. Brain Research Bulletin 92, pp. 12-20. (10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.06.018)
- Trent, S., Cassano, T., Bedse, G., Ojarikre, O. A., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2012. Altered serotonergic function may partially account for behavioral endophenotypes in steroid sulfatase-deficient mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 37(5), pp. 1267-1274. (10.1038/npp.2011.314)
- Trent, S., Dennehy, A., Richardson, H., Ojarikre, O. A., Burgoyne, P. S., Humby, T. and Davies, W. 2012. Steroid sulfatase-deficient mice exhibit endophenotypes relevant to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 37(2), pp. 221-229. (10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.06.006)
- Davies, W. 2012. Does steroid sulfatase deficiency influence postpartum psychosis risk?. Trends in Molecular Medicine 18(5), pp. 256-262. (10.1016/j.molmed.2012.03.001)
- Kopsida, E., Mikaelsson, M. A. and Davies, W. 2011. The role of imprinted genes in mediating susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders. Hormones and Behavior 59(3), pp. 375-382. (10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.04.005)
- Davies, W. 2011. Functional themes from psychiatric genome-wide screens. Frontiers in Genetics 2, article number: 89. (10.3389/fgene.2011.00089)
- Lynn, P. M., Stergiakouli, E. and Davies, W. 2011. The genomics of Turner syndrome and sex-biased neuropsychiatric disorders. In: Clelland, J. D. ed. Genomics, proteomics, and the nervous system. Advances in neurobiology Vol. 2. Springer, pp. 3-20.
- Trent, S. and Davies, W. 2011. The influence of sex-linked genetic mechanisms on attention and impulsivity. Biological Psychology 89(1), pp. 1-13. (10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.09.011)
- Davies, W. 2010. Genomic imprinting on the X chromosome: implications for brain and behavioral phenotypes. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1204(s1), pp. 14-19. (10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05567.x)
- Davies, W., Humby, T., Kong, W., Otter, T. L., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2009. Converging pharmacological and genetic evidence indicates a role for steroid sulfatase in attention. Biological Psychiatry 66(4), pp. 360-367. (10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.01.001)
- Kopsida, E., Stergiakouli, E., Lynn, P. M., Wilkinson, L. S. and Davies, W. 2009. The Role of the Y Chromosome in Brain Function. Open Neuroendocrinology Journal 2(1), pp. 20-30. (10.2174/1876528900902010020)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain?. In: Wilkins, J. F. ed. Genomic Imprinting. Advances in experimental medicine and biology Vol. 626. Berlin: Springer, pp. 62-70., (10.1007/978-0-387-77576-0_5)
- Davies, W., Lynn, P. M. Y., Relkovic, D. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2008. Imprinted genes and neuroendocrine function. Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 29(3), pp. 413-427. (10.1016/j.yfrne.2007.12.001)
- Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2008. Genomic imprinting and disorders of the social brain; shades of grey rather than black and white. Behavioral and Brain Sciences 31(3), pp. 265-266. (10.1017/S0140525X08004263)
- Wilkinson, L. S., Davies, W. and Isles, A. R. 2007. Genomic imprinting effects on brain development and function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience 8(11), pp. 832-843. (10.1038/nrn2235)
- Davies, W., Humby, T., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. X-monosomy effects on visuospatial attention in mice: a candidate gene and implications for Turner syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Biological psychiatry 61(12), pp. 1351-1360. (10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.08.011)
- Lynn, P. M. and Davies, W. 2007. The 39,XO mouse as a model for the neurobiology of Turner syndrome and sex-biased neuropsychiatric disorders. Behavioural Brain Research 179(2), pp. 173-182. (10.1016/j.bbr.2007.02.013)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Humby, T. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2007. What are imprinted genes doing in the brain? [Review]. Epigenetics 2(4), pp. 201-206. (10.4161/epi.2.4.5379)
- Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. It is not all hormones: Alternative explanations for sexual differentiation of the brain. Brain Research 1126(1), pp. 36-45. (10.1016/j.brainres.2006.09.105)
- Isles, A. R., Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. Genomic imprinting and the social brain. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London Series B - Biological Sciences 361(1476), pp. 2229-2237. (10.1098/rstb.2006.1942)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2006. X-linked imprinting: effects on brain and behaviour. Bioessays 28(1), pp. 35-44. (10.1002/bies.20341)
- Davies, W. et al. 2005. Xlr3b is a new imprinted candidate for X-linked parent-of-origin effects on cognitive function in mice. Nature Genetics 37(6), pp. 625-629. (10.1038/ng1577)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2005. Imprinted gene expression in the brain. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews 29(3), pp. 421-430. (10.1016/j.neubiorev.2004.11.007)
- Davies, W., Smith, R. J., Kelsey, G. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Expression patterns of the novel imprinted genes Nap1l5 and Peg13 and their non-imprinted host genes in the adult mouse brain. Gene Expression Patterns 4(6), pp. 741-747. (10.1016/j.modgep.2004.03.008)
- Isles, A. R., Davies, W., Burrmann, D., Burgoyne, P. S. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2004. Effects on fear reactivity in XO mice are due to haploinsufficiency of a non-PAR X gene: implications for emotional function in Turner's syndrome. Human Molecular Genetics 13(17), pp. 1849-1855. (10.1093/hmg/ddh203)
- Davies, W., Isles, A. R. and Wilkinson, L. S. 2001. Imprinted genes and mental dysfunction. Annals of Medicine 33(6), pp. 428-436. (10.3109/07853890108995956)
- Humby, T., Laird, F. M., Davies, W. and Wilkinson, L. S. 1999. Visuospatial attentional functioning in mice: interactions between cholinergic manipulations and genotype. European Journal of Neuroscience 11(8), pp. 2813-2823. (10.1046/j.1460-9568.1999.00701.x)
Research
Research topics and related papers
Our work employs a wide variety of experimental techniques including: operant and spontaneous assays of behaviour in rodents, anatomical and biochemical analysis of body tissues, assays of gene and protein expression, measurement of endocrine markers, genetic modification/analysis and human molecular genetics, neuropsychological testing, and online survey approaches.
1. The role of steroid sulfatase in brain, behavioural and physiological phenotypes in man and mouse
Our previous work in mice and humans has suggested that the X-linked gene STS, which encodes the neurosteroid-modulating enzyme steroid sulfatase, may influence a wide range of behavioural, cognitive and physiological functions, notably attention and cardiac rhythm. Ongoing work in rodent models and clinical populations aims to further specify biological processes that are sensitive to the effects of steroid sulfatase (dys)function, and to clarify the neurobiological mechanisms through which steroid sulfatase (dys)function may impinge upon cognition. This work is of direct relevance to the rare disorder X-linked ichthyosis (caused by steroid sulfatase deficiency), and may also shed light upon the mechanisms underlying idiopathic developmental and cardiac disorders (e.g. atrial fibrillation) and postpartum mood disorders.
A possible anatomical and biochemical basis to increased arrhythmia risk in X-linked ichthyosis Wren and Davies (2024) Essays in Biochemistry 68:EBC20230098 doi:10.1042/EBC20230098
Characterising heart rhythm problems in individuals with X-linked ichthyosis/Xp22.31 deletion; STS identified as a candidate gene Wren et al. (2022) Journal of Medical Genetics doi:10.1136/jmg-2022-108862
Skin and extracutaneous conditions in X-linked ichthyosis and a possible unifying biological mechanism: Wren and Davies (2022) Skin Health and Disease doi:10.1002/ski2.179
Comorbid medical issues in X-linked ichthyosis: Brcic et al. (2022) JID Innovations doi:10.1016/j.xjidi.2022.100109
Medical and neurobehavioural phenotypes in male and female carriers of Xp22.31 duplications in the UK Biobank: Gubb et al. (2020) Human Molecular Genetics 29(17):2872-2881
Medical and neurobehavioural phenotypes in X-linked ichthyosis associated genetic deletion carriers in the UK Biobank: Brcic et al. (2020) Journal of Medical Genetics 57:692-698; lay summaries of this paper available here and here
Behaviour and mental health in female carriers of genetic mutations associated with X-linked ichthyosis: Cavenagh et al. (2019) PLoS ONE 14(2):e0212330
STS, maternal behaviour and mental health: Davies (2018) Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 61(2):T199-T210
STS deficiency and psychosis: Malik et al. (2017) Journal of Medical Case Reports 11(1):267
Genetic variation in STS and cognition in healthy males: Humby et al. (2017) Brain and Behavior 7(3):e00646
Behaviour and mental health in males with X-linked ichthyosis: Chatterjee et al. (2016) PloS ONE 11(10):e0164417
STS deficiency and response inhibition in mice: Davies et al. (2014) Neuropsychopharmacology (2014) 39(11):2622-32
STS deficiency and brain gene expression and neurochemistry in mice: Trent et al. (2014) Molecular Autism 5(1):21
STS deficiency and hippocampal function in mice: Trent et al (2013) Psychoneuroendocrinology 38(8):1370-80
STS deficiency and neurochemistry in mice: Trent et al (2012) Neuropsychopharmacology 37(5):1267-74
STS deficiency and behaviour in mice: Trent et al (2012) Psychoneuroendocrinology 37(2):221-9
Genetic variation in STS and symptoms and cognition in boys with ADHD: Stergiakouli et al (2011) Genes Brain & Behavior 10(3):334-44
STS deficiency and attention in mice: Davies et al (2009) Biological Psychiatry 66(4):360-7
2. Genetic and endocrine mechanisms underlying sex differences in brain development, behaviour and physiology
Females inherit two X chromosomes (one from each parent) whereas males inherit a single X chromosome (invariably from their mother) and a Y chromosome from their father. This asymmetry of inheritance across the genders gives rise to three main genetic mechanisms that could either underpin male-female differences in physiology directly, or via effects on hormones including androgens and oestrogens: i) expression of Y-linked genes in males only (including the testis-determining gene SRY), ii) higher expression of X-linked genes which escape X-inactivation in female tissues, and iii) differential expression of X-linked genes that are subject to the epigenetically-mediated process of genomic imprinting. Our collaborative work, in rodent models (e.g. 39,XO mouse and Four Core Genotypes model), in clinical populations, and in healthy participants and tissues aims to investigate the extent and specificity with which each of these three mechanisms contributes to sex differences in physiology. This work is likely to inform our understanding of the molecular pathophysiology underlying sex chromosome aneuploidies such as Turner and Klinefelter syndromes, and sex-biased neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD and autism.
A link between reproductive lifespan, age at menopause, volume of the brain's temporal lobe structures and memory Steventon et al. (2023) Psychoneuroendocrinology doi:10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106393
Sex-linked genetic mechanisms and atrial fibrillation risk: Wren and Davies (2022) European Journal of Medical Genetics 65(4):104459 doi:10.1016/j.ejmg.2022.104459
Xp22.31 gene dosage, Turner and Klinefelter syndromes and sex differences: Davies (2021) European Journal of Medical Genetics doi:10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104169
Sex differences in gene expression in human fetal brain: O'Brien et al. (2019) bioRxiv https://doi.org/10.1101/483636
Early-life androgen exposure and religiosity: Richards et al. (2018) Transpersonal Psychology Review 20(1):23-36
Familial patterns of a somatic marker of early-life androgen exposure: Richards et al. (2017) Early Human Development 112:14-19
A review of the overlap between RASopathies and Turner syndrome: Green et al. (2017) Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders 9:25
X chromosome effects on cardiac morphology in mice: Hinton.et al. (2015) Journal of Cardiovascular Development and Disease 2(3):190-199
Genetic and endocrine mechanisms influencing ADHD risk: Davies (2014) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology 35(3):331-46
Sex chromosome complement and endocrine effects on behaviour in mice: Kopsida et al (2013) PLOS ONE 8(8):e73699
Investigating sex-linked genetic effects on behaviour in mice: Davies (2013) Brain Research Bulletin 92:12-20
A review of sex-linked effects on attention and impulsivity: Trent & Davies (2012) Biological Psychology 89(1):1-13
The Y chromosome and brain function: Kopsida et al (2009) The Open Neuroendocrinology Journal 2: 20-30
Brain and behavioural phenotypes in the 39,XO mouse: Lynn et al (2007) Behavioural Brain Research 172(2):173-182
X-monosomy effects on attention in mice: Davies et al (2007) Biological Psychiatry 61(12):1351-1360
Brain and behavioural effects of X-linked imprinted genes: Davies et al (2006) BioEssays 28(1):35-44
A review of gonadal hormone-independent sex-linked genetic effects on brain and behaviour: Davies & Wilkinson (2006) Brain Research 1126(1):36-45
An X-linked parent-of-origin cognitive effect in mice and a new candidate X-linked imprinted gene: Davies et al (2005) Nature Genetics 37(6):625-629
X-monosomy effects on anxiety-related behaviour in mice: Isles et al (2004) Human Molecular Genetics 13(17):1849-1855
3. Understanding the biological basis of postpartum mood disorder risk
New mothers can be affected by a number of psychiatric conditions which range in severity and prevalence. We are particularly interested in postpartum psychosis (PP), a rare but extremely serious psychiatric disorder affecting mothers shortly after childbirth and characterised by delusions, mood swings, anxiety and cognitive disorganisation. Despite its severity, the neurobiology underpinning PP risk is very poorly-understood, partially as a consequence of not having suitable animal models available. Our work in rodent models and clinical populations aims to identify and characterise plausible biological risk pathways for PP, ultimately with a view to developing better treatments and predictive biomarkers.
An update on postpartum psychosis Shepherd & Davies (2022) Psychiatric Times 39(6):23-25
A new molecular risk pathway for postpartum mood disorders: clues from steroid sulfatase-deficient individuals Thippeswamy & Davies (2020) Archives of Women's Mental Health doi:10.1007/s00737-020-01093-1
CCN proteins as candidate mediators of postpartum mood disorder risk (this paper is in top 3% most viewed papers across all Frontiers journals) Davies (2019) Frontiers in Psychiatry 10:876
Brain gene expression in a novel mouse model of postpartum mood disorder: Humby & Davies (2019) Translational Neuroscience 10:168-174
A new hypothesis for postpartum psychosis risk: Dazzan et al. (2018) Trends in Molecular Medicine 24(11):26-34
STS, maternal behaviour and mental health: Davies (2018) Journal of Molecular Endocrinology 61(2):T199-T210
Investigating the pathophysiology of postpartum psychosis: Davies (2017) World Journal of Psychiatry 7(2):77-88
A new mouse model of postpartum psychosis: Humby et al. (2016) Psychoneuroendocrinology 74:363-370
STS deficiency and postpartum psychosis: Davies (2012) Trends in Molecular Medicine 18(5):256-62
4. Mental health in skin conditions
Following on from our work in X-linked ichthyosis, we have begun to investigate mental health and behavioural phenotypes in other skin conditions with an underlying genetic predisposition including ichthyosis vulgaris, psoriasis and Darier's disease.
Memory, mood and associated neuroanatomy in individuals with X-linked ichthyosis and ichthyosis vulgaris Wren et al. (2024) Genes, Brain and Behavior 23(3):e12893 doi:10.1111/gbb.12893
Mood problems and their causes in X-linked ichthyosis, ichthyosis vulgaris and psoriasis Wren et al. (2022) Clinical and Experimental Dermatology doi:10.1111/ced.15116
5. Developing rodent tasks of cognition: understanding sex differences in gambling behaviour
We have developed a number of new operant tasks to assess cognition in rodents, many of which are analogues of neuropsychological tasks used to assess cognition in humans, and several of which have now been adapted for use with touchscreen apparatus to allow sophisticated stimulus presentation. We are currently interested in using these tasks to understand the biological basis of gambling predisposition, and in particular, to understand why the prevalence of gambling behaviour, and the progression to pathological gambling, differs between males and females.
A new mouse behavioural assay of gambling behaviour and effects of serotonergic and cognition-enhancing drugs: Humby et al. (2020) Psychopharmacology doi: 10.1007/s00213-020-05496-x
Investigating factors influencing gambling proneness: Van den Bos et al. (2013) Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews 37(10):2454-71
A new mouse behavioural assay of attention: Humby et al. (1999) European Journal of Neuroscience 11(8):2813-23
6. Characterising cases of rare genetic syndromes with neurodevelopmental features
With collaborators at King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre (KAIMRC) in Saudi Arabia, I identify and describe individuals presenting with neurodevelopmental conditions as part of rare genetic syndromes.
Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome in a girl with autism spectrum disorder: Al-Enezi et al. (2024) Journal of Medical Case Reports 18(1):422
Two cases of trichohepatoneurodevelopmental syndrome caused by variants in the CCDC47 gene: Alsubeeh et al. (2024) American Journal of Medical Genetics A e63784
7. Investigating links between immune system manipulation and brain and behaviour
Many psychiatric and neurological disorders are associated with changes in the immune system function; however, the link between immune system changes and brain/behavioural function is only just beginning to be clarified. We are interested in the role of a particular type of immune cell (regulatory T-cells, Tregs) on brain and behaviour. Tregs are immunosuppressive, and can also stimulate myelination processes - we suspect that their depletion will result in phenotypes associated with mood and psychotic disorders (including in the postpartum period), and are using mouse models to address this hypothesis.
Funding
Academy of Medical Sciences/Wellcome Trust INSPIRE Scheme Co-PI (£80K)
GW4 BioMed MRC Doctoral Training Studentships
Welsh Government Ser Cymru II Strategic Partner Accelerator Award Co-PI (£68K)
MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics Co-PI (£3.4M)
Wellcome Trust Integrative Neuroscience Ph.D scheme Co-PI (£2.3M)
MRC New Investigator Research Award (£430K)
Research Councils UK Fellowship in Translational Research in Experimental Medicine (£125K)
Research group
I work closely with the other PIs within the Behavioural Genetics Group at Cardiff University, and supervise, co-supervise and mentor, numerous graduate and undergraduate students within this group.
Research collaborators
Dr Trevor Humby and Professor Lawrence Wilkinson (Cardiff University, UK)
Jack Underwood, Kimberley Kendall, Xavier Caseras and George Kirov (Cardiff University, UK)
Professor Andrew Thompson (Cardiff University, UK)
Professor Awen Gallimore (Cardiff University, UK)
Dr Evangelia Stergiakouli (University of Bristol, UK)
Professor Christopher George (University of Swansea, UK)
Professor Paola Dazzan and Dr Monserrat Fuste-Boadella (Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Kings College London, UK)
Dr Gareth Richards (University of Newcastle, UK)
Dr James Turner and Mr Obah Ojarikre (Crick Institute, UK)
Dr Tamar Green (Stanford University, USA)
Dr Wafaa Eyaid (King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Saudi Arabia)
Professor Dan Rujescu (University of Halle, Germany)
Dr Tommaso Cassano (University of Foggia, Italy)
Teaching
Teaching summary
PSYCH
- Module Co-ordinator (Biological Psychology and Individual Differences, Year 1 and Masters in Psychology module)
- Deputy Module Co-ordinator (Behavioural Genetics, Final Year module)
- Year 2 Developmental Psychology Practical Supervisor
- Personal and Academic Tutor
- Final Year Project Supervisor
MEDIC
- Year 1 Case-based Learning Facilitator
- Platform for Clinical Sciences Facilitator
- Lecturer (The Scientific Basis of Psychological Medicine)
- Intercalated B.Sc in Psychology Lecturer and Project Supervisor
- Personal and Academic Mentor
- INSPIRE Scheme Lead
PSYCH/MEDIC
- Ph.D Supervisor and Mentor
Our article on integrating research data in genomics with teaching in bioinformatics available here: Genetics Society magazine 87:30-31
Biography
Undergraduate education
- M.Biochem (1st Class) Hons. (University of Bath, 1995-1999)
Postgraduate education
- Ph.D (Behavioural Neuroscience) (University of Cambridge, 1999-2003)
- Postgraduate Certificate in University Teaching and Learning (Module 1) (Cardiff University, 2013)
Employment
- 2012-present: Senior Lecturer and Reader, Cardiff University, UK
- 2007-2012: RCUK Fellow, Cardiff University, UK
- 2006-2007: Wellcome Trust 'Value in People’ Fellow, Cardiff University, UK
- 2003-2006: Postdoctoral scientist, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
Honours and awards
Awards/external committees
- Associate Editor: Frontiers in Neurogenomics and Neuropharmacology
- Editorial Board member: Endocrinology, World Journal of Psychiatry, Frontiers in Pharmacology
- British Council Biological and Medical Sciences Review Panel member
- UKRI Talent Peer Review College member
- Member of FWO (Fons Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek) Peer Review College
- Genetics Society Cardiff University representative
- Fellow, Higher Education Academy
- 'Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching' Award (2020)
- EMBL Workshop Fellowship
- Winner, National Brain-Science Writing Prize (Researcher category)
- The Florence P. Haseltine Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation, 6th Annual Sex and Gene Expression Conference,Winston-Salem, USA
- British Neuroscience Association Postgraduate Prize
- Oon Khye Beng Ch’hia Tsio Studentship for Preventive Medicine, Downing College, University of Cambridge
Supervisions
Postgraduate research interests
We are interested in how, and why, the sexes differ in terms of their brain function, behaviour and physiology. We are especially interested in understanding the biological mechanisms underpinning risk of neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD and autism (which are diagnosed far more frequently in males than females) and pregnancy and childbirth-related psychiatric disorders such as postpartum psychosis, which affects women shortly after childbirth. We are also interested in determinants of mental and physical health in individuals with congenital dermatological conditions.
We use a wide variety of experimental approaches in rodent models and in healthy and clinical human populations, and focus particularly upon the brain and behavioural effects of genes on the sex chromosomes (i.e. the X and Y) which are asymmetrically inherited between males and females.
Our studies may have important implications for understanding why men and women behave differently, for why the sexes are differentially vulnerable to certain medical conditions, and for developing more effective sex-specific therapies and biomarkers.
If you are interested in applying for a PhD, or for further information regarding my postgraduate research, please contact me directly (contact details available on the 'Overview' page), or submit a formal application.
Current students
Georgina Wren: 'Exploring the psychological and physiological issues associated with X-linked ichthyosis' - Georgina won the 2022 PsyPAG/British Psychological Society 'Rising Researcher' Award for her early PhD work
Freya Shepherd: 'Investigating links between regulatory T-cell depletion and mood-psychosis spectrum disorders'
Current supervision
Georgina Wren
Research student
Engagement
I regularly interact with individuals affected by X-linked ichthyosis and their family members e.g. in this webinar and in this short YouTube video
I also work with international advocacy groups in Women's Health e.g. Remember the Girls
Our work on X-linked ichthyosis and Turner syndrome has been cited in UpToDate.com, a clinical decision support resource used by >1.7million clinicians worldwide
I have undertaken engagement activities with the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) in Wales, and with organisations addressing the use of animals in research e.g. Understanding Animal Research
I have discussed work on behavioural genetics in the national press (here and here) and am a consultant for the Science Media Centre
As a STEM Ambassador, I have interacted with >3000 schoolchildren as a part of programme of careers days, school visits, and University engagement activities