RESEARCH CORES
Animal Models Core
Ensures that standardized behavioral and biochemical operating procedures are used across laboratories and will provide personalized consultations with investigators on issues related to experimental design, sample collection, and sample handling
Neuroproteomics Core
Provides access to proteomic methods such as protein expression analysis, phosphoproteomics, protein interactions and biorthogonal chemistry for discovery of molecular mechanisms in animal models of alcohol drinking and dependence to center investigators and will provide mass spectrometry based bioanalytical services to meet the specific needs of the center at large
Dissemination Core
Offers access to state-of-the-art knowledge about alcohol use disorder to higher risk young people while also tackling health disparities by increasing representation of minorities in biomedical science through internship programs
Recent Highlights:
Exploring the Brain: Insights from Neuroscientist Catherine Lopez
From Puzzles to Biopsychology: Meet Allison White
Breaking Barriers in Science: Meet Dr. Francisco Flores-Ramirez
 How Blocking a Neural Receptor Responsible for Addiction Could Reduce Alcohol UseA Scripps Research team found that a new therapeutic that targets the kappa opioid receptor in the brain may reduce alcohol dependence. DOI: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-56500-9 |  How Mifepristone Could Transform Treatments for Alcohol AddictionThis study investigates whether mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, can reduce innate anxiety-like behaviors in genetically-selected Marchigian Sardinian (msP) rats. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fijms22063095 |  New Hope for Battling Alcoholism: Glucocorticoid Blockers Show PromiseResearchers explore how blocking specific stress-related receptors can reduce alcohol consumption in both everyday and genetically predisposed rats, paving the way for potential new treatments for alcohol use disorder. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22084184 |  Early-Life Stress Linked to Faster Onset of Alcohol Dependence in MaleResearchers have developed a novel mouse model to investigate how early-life stress increases the risk of alcohol dependence. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100269 |
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 New Insights Into GR Antagonism's Role In AlcoholismResearchers have investigated how blocking the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the brain can influence alcohol consumption in rats predisposed to high intake, highlighting the role of stress and our body's stress response system in drinking behaviors. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22084184 |