Exploring the molecular mechanisms of addiction
Especially in developed countries, substance use disorders (SUDs) have been a public health concern worldwide for decades. Unfortunately, there are limited treatments.
Growing evidence suggests that increased neuroinflammation, specifically the activation of microglial cells, plays a role in the development of substance use disorders (SUDs). However, the exact way it contributes is still unclear.
The CINID SUDs laboratory explores how microglial activation promotes SUDs at the molecular level. The long-term goal is to determine how the crosstalk between the nervous and immune systems promote SUDs. This knowledge could then help researchers discover methods that lessen or even block the biochemical reactions that lead to SUDs.
Of particular interest are ways abused drugs injure neurons, especially when an infection like HIV is present.