Skip to main content
William Davies MBiochem PhD FHEA

Dr William Davies

(he/him)

MBiochem PhD FHEA

Reader

School of Medicine

Users
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

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2001

1999

Adrannau llyfrau

Erthyglau

Gwefannau

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

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

Contact Details

Email DaviesW4@cardiff.ac.uk
Telephone +44 29208 70152
Campuses Tower Building, Room 10.20, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT
Study identifies new gene for heart problems associated with increased neurological disorder risk

Study identifies new gene for heart problems associated with increased neurological disorder risk

18 November 2022

People with genetic skin condition more likely to present with psychological disorders

People with genetic skin condition more likely to present with psychological disorders

25 March 2020

External profiles