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Christopher J. Stodgell, Ph.D.

Christopher J. Stodgell, Ph.D.

Contact

Office (585) 275-1902
Fax (585) 244-2209
Administrative (585) 275-5734

About Me

The goal of my research is to understand the environmental and genetic etiologies of developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders. Through collaborations with other programs interested in the genetics of autism, we have studied how specific candidate genes are related to autism spectru...
The goal of my research is to understand the environmental and genetic etiologies of developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders. Through collaborations with other programs interested in the genetics of autism, we have studied how specific candidate genes are related to autism spectrum disorders. Recently, Dr. Loisa Bennetto, a developmental neuropsychologist here at the University of Rochester, and I were awarded a grant from NIH to study how familial and heritable chemosensory (taste & smell) traits are in families with autism. Problems around feeding behavior are of major concern to families who have children with autism, thus understanding the basic neurobiology chemosensory behavioral and how genetic factors affect these traits can be important for developing new therapies and behavioral strategies to help treat those with autism.

Another area of autism research that I actively pursuing is investigating how early embryonic exposures known to cause autism affects developmental gene expression. To model these affects, we are using the potent neuroteratogen, valproic acid (Depakote). Valproic acid is used clinically for the treatment of seizures, mania associated with bipolar disorder, migraines, and cancer. In humans, in utero exposure is associated with an increased risk for autism. Early embryonic exposure in rats, results in similar behavioral profiles and neuroanatomical deficits seen in human cases of autism. Thus, this makes valproic acid a useful tool to study the gene-environment interaction which may be critical to causing some cases of autism. Within an hour after exposure, we can measure changes in embryonic gene expression. By determining these alterations, we will be better able to understand the molecular pathways that are altered in autism.

In another study of gene-environment interaction in autism, we are focusing on populations of cases of autism that have known environmental exposures. These include fetal exposures to valproic acid, and another drug linked to autism, misoprostol. By studying the sequences of candidate genes from cases that have known exposures and autism, to those who were exposed with the disorder, we hope to identify genetic features that may increase ones susceptibility to autism.

A third area of research is investigating the teratogenic impact of uncontrolled type-II diabetes. Using rats who have been specifically bred to develop type-II diabetes, or who are resistant to the disorder, we are interested in how embryonic gene expression is different between the embryos with neurotube defects and intra-uterine growth restriction and those who appear to be developing normally.

Finally, we are also investigating the gene-environment interactions that may have an etiology in vulvar vestibulitis, a women's health condition that results in severe chronic pain of the vulva. Estimated to affect 13-15% of women, there are strong indication that genetics plays an important role in the disorder, in that women with fair, light complexions have a greater risk of developing the disorder. We have been investigating the role of genes involved in skin pigmentation and inflammation to the disorders, and identified polymorphic variants which increases the risk of diagnosis.

Faculty Appointments

Associate Professor - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SMD)

Credentials

Post-doctoral Training & Residency

NIEHS Postdoctoral Trainee
Department of Environmental Medicine
University of Rochester School of Medicine 1996 - 1997

Education

PhD | University of Kansas. Pharmacology. 1996

MS | University of Kansas. Pharmacology. 1995

BA | University of Kansas. Arts & Sciences. 1989

Awards

NIH Loan Repayment Program. 2003 - 2008

Wilson Publication Award for Outstanding Publication. 2001

Roland D. Ciaranello M.D. Award for Research in Basic Research. 1999

James G. Wilson Award in Teratology for Outstanding Postdoctoral Research. 1998

National Alliance for Research in Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders Young Investigator Award. 1997

Research

The goal of my research is to understand the environmental and genetic etiologies of developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders. Through collaborations with other programs interested in the genetics of autism, we have studied how specific candidate genes are related to autism spectru...
The goal of my research is to understand the environmental and genetic etiologies of developmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders. Through collaborations with other programs interested in the genetics of autism, we have studied how specific candidate genes are related to autism spectrum disorders. Recently, Dr. Loisa Bennetto, a developmental neuropsychologist here at the University of Rochester, and I were awarded a grant from NIH to study how familial and heritable chemosensory (taste & smell) traits are in families with autism. Problems around feeding behavior are of major concern to families who have children with autism, thus understanding the basic neurobiology chemosensory behavioral and how genetic factors affect these traits can be important for developing new therapies and behavioral strategies to help treat those with autism.

Another area of autism research that I actively pursuing is investigating how early embryonic exposures known to cause autism affects developmental gene expression. To model these affects, we are using the potent neuroteratogen, valproic acid (Depakote). Valproic acid is used clinically for the treatment of seizures, mania associated with bipolar disorder, migraines, and cancer. In humans, in utero exposure is associated with an increased risk for autism. Early embryonic exposure in rats, results in similar behavioral profiles and neuroanatomical deficits seen in human cases of autism. Thus, this makes valproic acid a useful tool to study the gene-environment interaction which may be critical to causing some cases of autism. Within an hour after exposure, we can measure changes in embryonic gene expression. By determining these alterations, we will be better able to understand the molecular pathways that are altered in autism.

In another study of gene-environment interaction in autism, we are focusing on populations of cases of autism that have known environmental exposures. These include fetal exposures to valproic acid, and another drug linked to autism, misoprostol. By studying the sequences of candidate genes from cases that have known exposures and autism, to those who were exposed with the disorder, we hope to identify genetic features that may increase ones susceptibility to autism.

A third area of research is investigating the teratogenic impact of uncontrolled type-II diabetes. Using rats who have been specifically bred to develop type-II diabetes, or who are resistant to the disorder, we are interested in how embryonic gene expression is different between the embryos with neurotube defects and intra-uterine growth restriction and those who appear to be developing normally.

Finally, we are also investigating the gene-environment interactions that may have an etiology in vulvar vestibulitis, a women's health condition that results in severe chronic pain of the vulva. Estimated to affect 13-15% of women, there are strong indication that genetics plays an important role in the disorder, in that women with fair, light complexions have a greater risk of developing the disorder. We have been investigating the role of genes involved in skin pigmentation and inflammation to the disorders, and identified polymorphic variants which increases the risk of diagnosis.

Publications

Journal Articles

How Chimeric Animal Research Impacts Animal Welfare: A Conversation with Animal Welfare Experts.

Craig KP

The Hastings Center report.. 2022 November 52 Suppl 2 :S52-S56. Epub 1900 01 01.

Clarifying the Ethics and Oversight of Chimeric Research.

Johnston J, Hyun I, Neuhaus CP, Maschke KJ, Marshall P, Craig KP, Matthews MM, Drolet K, Greely HT, Hill LR, Hinterberger A, Hurley EA, Kesterson R, Kimmelman J, King NMP, Lopes MJ, O'Rourke PP, Parent B, Peckman S, Piotrowska M, Schwarz M, Sebo J, Stodgell C, Streiffer R, Wilkerson A

The Hastings Center report.. 2022 November 52 Suppl 2 (Suppl 2):S2-S23. Epub 1900 01 01.

Expanding the neurodevelopmental phenotype of PURA syndrome.

Lee BH, Reijnders MRF, Abubakare O, Tuttle E, Lape B, Minks KQ, Stodgell C, Bennetto L, Kwon J, Fong CT, Gripp KW, Marsh ED, Smith WE, Huq AM, Coury SA, Tan WH, Solis O, Mehta RI, Leventer RJ, Baralle D, Hunt D, Paciorkowski AR

American journal of medical genetics. Part A.. 2018 January 176 (1):56-67. Epub 11/17/2017.

Exposure to Sodium Valproate during Pregnancy: Facial Features and Signs of Autism.

Stadelmaier R, Nasri H, Deutsch CK, Bauman M, Hunt A, Stodgell CJ, Adams J, Holmes LB

Birth defects research.. 2017 August 15109 (14):1134-1143. Epub 06/21/2017.

Shear Wave Elastography in the Living, Perfused, Post-Delivery Placenta.

McAleavey SA, Parker KJ, Ormachea J, Wood RW, Stodgell CJ, Katzman PJ, Pressman EK, Miller RK

Ultrasound in medicine & biology.. 2016 June 42 (6):1282-8. Epub 03/19/2016.

exposures to environmental organic pollutants disrupt epigenetic marks linked to fetoplacental development.

Kappil MA, Li Q, Li A, Dassanayake PS, Xia Y, Nanes JA, Landrigan PJ, Stodgell CJ, Aagaard KM, Schadt EE, Dole N, Varner M, Moye J, Kasten C, Miller RK, Ma Y, Chen J, Lambertini L

Environmental epigenetics.. 2016 March 2 (1)Epub 02/10/2016.

Identification of novel mechanisms involved in generating localized vulvodynia pain.

Falsetta ML, Foster DC, Woeller CF, Pollock SJ, Bonham AD, Haidaris CG, Stodgell CJ, Phipps RP

American journal of obstetrics and gynecology.. 2015 July 213 (1):38.e1-38.e12. Epub 02/12/2015.

Site-specific mesenchymal control of inflammatory pain to yeast challenge in vulvodynia-afflicted and pain-free women.

Foster DC, Falsetta ML, Woeller CF, Pollock SJ, Song K, Bonham A, Haidaris CG, Stodgell CJ, Messing SP, Iadarola M, Phipps RP

Pain.. 2015 March 156 (3):386-396. Epub 1900 01 01.

Exploring the associations between microRNA expression profiles and environmental pollutants in human placenta from the National Children's Study (NCS).

Li Q, Kappil MA, Li A, Dassanayake PS, Darrah TH, Friedman AE, Friedman M, Lambertini L, Landrigan P, Stodgell CJ, Xia Y, Nanes JA, Aagaard KM, Schadt EE, Murray JC, Clark EB, Dole N, Culhane J, Swanson J, Varner M, Moye J, Kasten C, Miller RK, Chen J

Epigenetics.. 2015 10 (9):793-802. Epub 08/07/2015.

Selected persistent organic pollutants in human placental tissue from the United States.

Nanes JA, Xia Y, Dassanayake RM, Jones RM, Li A, Stodgell CJ, Walker CK, Szabo S, Leuthner S, Durkin MS, Moye J, Miller RK,

Chemosphere.. 2014 July 106 :20-27. Epub 01/31/2014.

Placental oxidative stress and decreased global DNA methylation are corrected by copper in the Cohen diabetic rat.

Ergaz Z, Guillemin C, Neeman-Azulay M, Weinstein-Fudim L, Stodgell CJ, Miller RK, Ornoy A

Toxicology and applied pharmacology.. 2014 May 1276 (3):220-30. Epub 03/01/2014.

Identification of novel mechanisms involved in generating localized vulvodynia 1 pain

Falsetta ML ;Foster, DC; Woeller CF; Pollock SJ; Bonham AD; Haidaris, CG; Stodgell, CJ; Phipps, RP.

Pain. 2014; .

The teratology society 2012-2017 strategic plan: pushing the boundaries.

Curran CP, Lau C, Schellpfeffer MA, Stodgell CJ, Carney EW

Birth defects research. Part A, Clinical and molecular teratology.. 2013 January 97 (1):2-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

The effect of copper deficiency on fetal growth and liver anti-oxidant capacity in the Cohen diabetic rat model.

Ergaz Z, Shoshani-Dror D, Guillemin C, Neeman-Azulay M, Fudim L, Weksler-Zangen S, Stodgell CJ, Miller RK, Ornoy A

Toxicology and applied pharmacology.. 2012 December 1265 (2):209-20. Epub 10/15/2012.

Valproic acid decreases urothelial cancer cell proliferation and induces thrombospondin-1 expression.

Byler TK, Leocadio D, Shapiro O, Bratslavsky G, Stodgell CJ, Wood RW, Messing EM, Reeder JE

BMC urology.. 2012 August 1612 :21. Epub 08/16/2012.

Hyperglycemia, hypoxia and their combination exert oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant gene expression: studies on cultured rat embryos.

Ornoy A, Livshitz A, Ergaz Z, Stodgell CJ, Miller RK

Birth defects research. Part B, Developmental and reproductive

Oral desipramine and topical lidocaine for vulvodynia: a randomized controlled trial.

Foster DC, Kotok MB, Huang LS, Watts A, Oakes D, Howard FM, Poleshuck EL, Stodgell CJ, Dworkin RH

Obstetrics and gynecology.. 2010 September 116 (3):583-593. Epub 1900 01 01.

The tampon test for vulvodynia treatment outcomes research: reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness.

Foster DC, Kotok MB, Huang LS, Watts A, Oakes D, Howard FM, Stodgell CJ, Dworkin RH

Obstetrics and gynecology.. 2009 April 113 (4):825-832. Epub 1900 01 01.

Interstimulus interval (ISI) discrimination of the conditioned eyeblink response in a rodent model of autism.

Murawski NJ, Brown KL, Stanton ME

Behavioural brain research.. 2009 January 23196 (2):297-303. Epub 10/02/2008.

Heterogeneous association between engrailed-2 and autism in the CPEA network.

Brune CW, Korvatska E, Allen-Brady K, Cook EH, Dawson G, Devlin B, Estes A, Hennelly M, Hyman SL, McMahon WM, Munson J, Rodier PM, Schellenberg GD, Stodgell CJ, Coon H

American journal of medical genetics. Part B, Neuropsychiatric genetics : the official publication of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics.. 2008 March 5147B (2):187-93. Epub 1900 01 01.

Mapping autism risk loci using genetic linkage and chromosomal rearrangements.

, Szatmari P, Paterson AD, Zwaigenbaum L, Roberts W, Brian J, Liu XQ, Vincent JB, Skaug JL, Thompson AP, Senman L, Feuk L, Qian C, Bryson SE, Jones MB, Marshall CR, Scherer SW, Vieland VJ, Bartlett C, Mangin LV, Goedken R, Segre A, Pericak-Vance MA, Cuccaro ML, Gilbert JR, Wright HH, Abramson RK, Betancur C, Bourgeron T, Gillberg C, Leboyer M, Buxbaum JD, Davis KL, Hollander E, Silverman JM, Hallmayer J, Lotspeich L, Sutcliffe JS, Haines JL, Folstein SE, Piven J, Wassink TH, Sheffield V, Geschwind DH, Bucan M, Brown WT, Cantor RM, Constantino JN, Gilliam TC, Herbert M, Lajonchere C, Ledbetter DH, Lese-Martin C, Miller J, Nelson S, Samango-Sprouse CA, Spence S, State M, Tanzi RE, Coon H, Dawson G, Devlin B, Estes A, Flodman P, Klei L, McMahon WM, Minshew N, Munson J, Korvatska E, Rodier PM, Schellenberg GD, Smith M, Spence MA, Stodgell C, Tepper PG, Wijsman EM, Yu CE, Rogé B, Mantoulan C, Wittemeyer K, Poustka A, Felder B, Klauck SM, Schuster C, Poustka F, Bölte S, Feineis-Matthews S, Herbrecht E, Schmötzer G, Tsiantis J, Papanikolaou K, Maestrini E, Bacchelli E, Blasi F, Carone S, Toma C, Van Engeland H, de Jonge M, Kemner C, Koop F, Koop F, Langemeijer M, Langemeijer M, Hijmans C, Hijimans C, Staal WG, Baird G, Bolton PF, Rutter ML, Weisblatt E, Green J, Aldred C, Wilkinson JA, Pickles A, Le Couteur A, Berney T, McConachie H, Bailey AJ, Francis K, Honeyman G, Hutchinson A, Parr JR, Wallace S, Monaco AP, Barnby G, Kobayashi K, Lamb JA, Sousa I, Sykes N, Cook EH, Guter SJ, Leventhal BL, Salt J, Lord C, Corsello C, Hus V, Weeks DE, Volkmar F, Tauber M, Fombonne E, Shih A, Meyer KJ

Nature genetics.. 2007 March 39 (3):319-28. Epub 02/18/2007.

Head circumference and height in autism: a study by the Collaborative Program of Excellence in Autism.

Lainhart JE, Bigler ED, Bocian M, Coon H, Dinh E, Dawson G, Deutsch CK, Dunn M, Estes A, Tager-Flusberg H, Folstein S, Hepburn S, Hyman S, McMahon W, Minshew N, Munson J, Osann K, Ozonoff S, Rodier P, Rogers S, Sigman M, Spence MA, Stodgell CJ, Volkmar F

American journal of medical genetics. Part A.. 2006 November 1140 (21):2257-74. Epub 1900 01 01.

Evidence for multiple loci from a genome scan of autism kindreds.

Schellenberg GD, Dawson G, Sung YJ, Estes A, Munson J, Rosenthal E, Rothstein J, Flodman P, Smith M, Coon H, Leong L, Yu CE, Stodgell C, Rodier PM, Spence MA, Minshew N, McMahon WM, Wijsman EM

Molecular psychiatry.. 2006 November 11 (11):1049-60, 979. Epub 08/01/2006.

Induction of the homeotic gene Hoxa1 through valproic acid's teratogenic mechanism of action.

Stodgell, C.J; Ingram, J.L.; O'Bara, M.; Tisdale, B.K.; Nau, H.; Rodier, P.M.

Neurtoxicology and Teratology. 2006; : 617-624.

Evidence for genetic linkage of autism to chromosomes 7 and 4

Molecular Psychiatry. 2006; 11(11): 979.

Induction of the homeotic gene Hoxa1 through valproic acid's teratogenic mechanism of action.

Stodgell CJ, Ingram JL, O'Bara M, Tisdale BK, Nau H, Rodier PM

Neurotoxicology and teratology.. 2006 28 (5):617-24. Epub 08/16/2006.

Autism and the serotonin transporter: the long and short of it.

Devlin B, Cook EH, Coon H, Dawson G, Grigorenko EL, McMahon W, Minshew N, Pauls D, Smith M, Spence MA, Rodier PM, Stodgell C, Schellenberg GD,

Molecular psychiatry.. 2005 December 10 (12):1110-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

The teratology of autism.

Arndt TL, Stodgell CJ, Rodier PM

International journal of developmental neuroscience : the official journal of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience.. 2005 23 (2-3):189-99. Epub 1900 01 01.

Impact of genetic variation in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and melanocortin-1 receptor genes on vulvar vestibulitis syndrome.

Foster DC, Sazenski TM, Stodgell CJ

The Journal of reproductive medicine.. 2004 July 49 (7):503-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Alleles of a reelin CGG repeat do not convey liability to autism in a sample from the CPEA network.

Devlin B, Bennett P, Dawson G, Figlewicz DA, Grigorenko EL, McMahon W, Minshew N, Pauls D, Smith M, Spence MA, Rodier PM, Stodgell C, Schellenberg GD,

American journal of medical genetics. Part B, Neuropsychiatric genetics : the official publication of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics.. 2004 April 1126B (1):46-50. Epub 1900 01 01.

Association between the HOXA1 A218G polymorphism and increased head circumference in patients with autism.

Conciatori M, Stodgell CJ, Hyman SL, O'Bara M, Militerni R, Bravaccio C, Trillo S, Montecchi F, Schneider C, Melmed R, Elia M, Crawford L, Spence SJ, Muscarella L, Guarnieri V, D'Agruma L, Quattrone A, Zelante L, Rabinowitz D, Pascucci T, Puglisi-Allegra S, Reichelt KL, Rodier PM, Persico AM

Biological psychiatry.. 2004 February 1555 (4):413-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

The role of candidate genes in unraveling the genetics of autism.

Stodgell CJ; Ingram JL; Hyman SL.

International Review on Research in Mental Retardation. 2001; 20: 57-81.

Discovery of allelic variants of HOXA1 and HOXB1: genetic susceptibility to autism spectrum disorders.

Ingram JL, Stodgell CJ, Hyman SL, Figlewicz DA, Weitkamp LR, Rodier PM

Teratology.. 2000 December 62 (6):393-405. Epub 1900 01 01.

Cross-sensitization between footshock stress and apomorphine on self-injurious behavior and neostriatal catecholamines in a rat model of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

Stodgell CJ, Loupe PS, Schroeder SR, Tessel RE

Brain research.. 1998 February 2783 (1):10-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

Fixed-ratio discrimination training as replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease: studies in a 6-hydroxydopamine-treated rat model.

Van Keuren KR, Stodgell CJ, Schroeder SR, Tessel RE

Brain research.. 1998 January 5780 (1):56-66. Epub 1900 01 01.

FR discrimination training reverses 6-hydroxydopamine-induced striatal dopamine depletion in a rat model of Lesch-Nyhan syndrome.

Stodgell CJ, Schroeder SR, Tessel RE

Brain research.. 1996 March 25713 (1-2):246-52. Epub 1900 01 01.

Reversal of 6HD-induced neonatal brain catecholamine depletion after operant training.

Tessel RE, Schroeder SR, Loupe PS, Stodgell CJ

Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior.. 1995 August 51 (4):861-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Reversal of 6HD-induced neonatal brain catecholamine depletion after operant training.

Tessel RE; Schroeder SR; Loupe PS; Stodgell CJ.

Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 1995; 51: 861-867.

Rodent Models of mental retardation: Self-injury, aberrant behavior and stress.

Tessel RE; Schroeder SR; Stodgell CJ; Loupe PS.

Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews. 1995; 1: 99-103.

The effect of partial hepatectomy on the metabolism, distribution, and nephrotoxicity of para-methylthiobenzamide in the rat.

Cox DN, Davidson VP, Judd CE, Stodgell C, Traiger GJ

Toxicology and applied pharmacology.. 1992 April 113 (2):246-52. Epub 1900 01 01.

Books

Ellis' Handbook of mental deficiency: Psychological Theory and Research (1997)

Chapter: Severe behavior problems among people with developmental disabilities.

Authors: Schroeder, SR, Tessel, RE, Loupe, PS, & Stodgell, CJ.

Publisher: L.E. Erlbaum Associates, Hillsdale, NJ 1997