THE PROBLEM
Since the discovery of synaptic plasticity as the cellular correlate of learning and memory, strong overlaps between neural and cellular substrates of learning, drug addiction and stress-related disorders have been recognized. Yet it remains a major challenge to identify the neural circuits and synaptic mechanisms contributing to abnormalities in dopamine signaling induced by addictive drugs and adverse early life experiences. The major focus of the lab of Fereshteh S. Nugent, PhD, is the elucidation of synaptic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying reward learning, drug addiction and neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, with particular emphasis on the midbrain dopamine system originating from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and its control by the lateral habenula (LHb). Recent research seeks to gain a better understanding of the link between early childhood trauma and mental health disorders. It’s been shown that adverse early life experiences such as prolonged child neglect or abuse increase the risk of developing mental health disorders strongly linked to dopamine dysfunction, including drug addiction and psychiatric disorders.
OUR APPROACH
We use a combined approach of in vitro electrophysiology, optogenetics, immunohistochemical, biochemical, epigenetic, and behavioral techniques to provide a mechanistic understanding of early life stress- and drug-induced neuroplasticity in brain reward circuits.
FINDINGS/RESULTS
Our work has been funded by NIH/NIDA, NARSAD and DOD.