Research

Does variability in mu opioid receptor endocytosis affect dopamine dynamics, drug-seeking behavior, and gene expression? 

This project uses genetically encoded sensors and fiber photometry, complex animal models of addiction, and single cell RNA sequencing to compare wild type mice to those with mu opioid receptor with altered trafficking properties. 

Collaboration with the Nord Lab at UC Davis.

Do incretin hormones alter dopamine dynamics and drug-seeking behavior?

This project uses genetically encoded sensors, fiber photometry, and complex animal models to assess the role of incretin hormones in opioid dependence.

Does the gut microbiome influence drug-seeking behavior?

This project uses a longitudinal model of opioid self-administration combined with a gut bacteria microbiome analysis to assess whether individual risk of drug-seeking behavior is influenced by the gut microbiome

Collaboration with the C. A. Whistler Lab at UNH

Do changes in phosphorylation state of the D3 dopamine receptor affect neuronal excitability?

This project uses whole-cell electrophysiology and cell-based biochemical assays to map the phosphorylation sites of the D3 receptor that are responsible for D3 modulation of calcium channels. 

Does variability in post endocytic sorting of the D3 dopamine receptor explain in vivo differences in second generation antipsychotics?

This project uses complex mouse models of antipsychotic efficacy and genetically encoded sensors to assess how trafficking changes the effect/side-effect profile of various second generation antipsychotics?

Collaboration with the Kim Lab and the Bender Lab at UC San Francisco

Does opioid withdrawal change neuronal myelination?

Using transgenic mouse models and immunohistochemistry, this project examines the ability of chronic opioid and withdrawal to induce experience-dependent myelination in the striatum .

Does morphine treatment compound with traumatic brain injury (TBI) to decrease dopamine receptor levels and change cognitive flexibility?

Each year millions of patients are diagnosed with a TBI, many are treated with morphine for pain management. Many patients experience long lasting side effects including decreased cognitive flexibility. It remains unknown if morphine treatment exacerbates loss of dopamine receptors and decreases in cognitive function. We aim to quantify loss of D2-like receptors post TBI with/without morphine treatment, and assess corresponding cognitive flexibility. 

Collaboration with the Gurkoff Lab.

Do naturally occurring genetic variations in incretin receptors affect glucose homeostasis?

This project uses cell-based assays, pancreatic islets, and mouse models of metabolic disease to assess how changes in GLP-1 trafficking influence incretin signaling.
Collaboration with the Huising and Cummings at UC Davis

Does post endocytic sorting of the D2 dopamine receptor affect drug-seeking behavior?

This project uses a multitude of behavioral assays to assess the effect of D2 receptor trafficking on measures of anxiety and drug-seeking behavior?

Which serotonin receptors recycle versus degrade?

This project uses in vitro biochemical and cell-based assays to assess the post-endocytic sorting of the 21 serotonin receptors that couple to G protein.