Anthony Baucum’s research focus is on the identification and characterization of protein-protein interactions in the rodent striatum and the effect of dopamine and development on these interactions. In particular, he wants to determine how stereotyped behaviors regulate these interactions. He uses biochemical, molecular biological, immunocytochemical, and proteomic methods to identify and characterize protein-protein interactions, in addition to ex vivo tissue preparation for biochemical analysis. His future studies will focus on the generation of novel transgenic mice to better understand developmental and amphetamine-dependent regulation of cell-specific striatal signaling. These data will enhance understanding of cell-specific signaling pathways that may mediate developmental and stereotypy-induced changes in dendritic spine density and morphology. This knowledge will allow for novel treatments targeting symptoms, such as hyperactivity and stereotypies, which are associated with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disorders.