Our main research focuses on understanding the biological bases of motivated behavior, with a focus on drug addiction. We use a combination of models that are associated with increased addiction liability, such as that associated with age (i.e. adolescence), naturally-occurring within outbred populations (i.e. inter-individual differences), or induced by exposure to drugs and to stress. Throughout our studies, we use a systems-approach, combining complementary levels of analysis, which include molecular (protein expression), cellular (neuronal activity and synaptic transmission using in vivo and ex vivo electrophysiology), anatomical (optogenetics and functional neuroanatomy), and behavioral studies (self-administration). By combining these levels of analysis, it is possible to answer questions of behavioral relevance at multiple levels, in the hope of gaining more insight on the mechanisms and treatment strategies for addiction.
Current projects in the lab examine:
(i) age and sex-differences in the ability to withstand adversity to obtain rewards
(ii) the role of an under-explored brain area (the lateral preoptic area) in reward seeking
(iii) the interplay between stress and dopamine in mediating addiction liability.
Additional projects include:
(iv) Simple and common errors in published data (e.g. Simpson’s paradox, error selecting data, use of wrong formulas to compute simple functions)
(v) Exploring alternatives to restraints and seclusions in school and psychiatric settings, and the lack of evidence for the use of currently employed “de-escalation” techniques.
(vi) Parental views on harm reduction when it comes to overdose fatalities
Visit the lab’s FB page here for more information about ongoing projects: https://www.facebook.com/MickyMarinelliLab