WHAT DO WE DO?
Translational Research
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Below is a list of some of our current research projects, activities, and services.
Whether you are interested in discovering the biological mechanisms of drug addiction or developing new therapeutic approaches, the PARC is a unique group of researchers who work collaboratively on basic research, proof-of-concept studies, and pre-IND studies to develop small-molecule, biological, and device-based therapeutics.
NOVEL THERAPEUTIC APPROACHES
Deep Brain Stimulation, Vaccines, and Enzymatic Approaches
WHOLE BRAIN IMAGING
Single-Cell Whole-Brain Imaging and Network Analysis
We perform single-cell whole-brain imaging using iDISCO+ to capture "brainprints" of specifics compounds and identify neuronal networks of drug intoxication, withdrawal, and craving.
NEUROBIOLOGY AND NEUROPHARAMCOLOGY
Optogenetics, Neuromodulation, and Neurocircuitry
PARC investigators are neuroscientists and neuropharmacologists who explore and dissect the roles of different neuronal circuitries and receptors in addiction using state-of-the-art techniques, including optogenetics, neuroanatomy, pharmacology, and molecular biology.
CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
In Vitro Patch-Clamp Recording
The successful treatment of addiction requires support from an entire community. PARC investigators understand the heartache and pain of addiction and the strength that can be gained from successful treatment. Take advantage of this service to help with the healing process and get in touch for more information.
Behavioral and Genetic Characterization of Biological Samples
We provide comprehensive biological tissue banks based on outbred rats that have been characterized as vulnerable or resistant to cocaine and oxycodone addiction.
PARC investigators are developing new therapeutics, including deep brain stimulation to reduce opioid use, vaccines to prevent opioid intoxication, and enzymatic approaches to prevent nicotine from reaching the brain.
MEDICATION DEVELOPMENT
Pre-IND, Proof-of-Concept, Pharmacokinetic, and Drug Screening Studies
PARC investigators are working with chemists in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry to test the efficacy of promising compounds in reversing the effects of drugs on the brain, reduce drug use, and prevent relapse in animal models.
BEHAVIORAL PHENOTYPING
State-of-the-Art Animal Models
The PARC has a high-throughput drug self-administration phenotyping program, one of the largest in the country. We use state-of-the-art animal models, including chronic intravenous, oral, and intra-pulmonary self-administration combined with advanced analyses of behavior responses despite increases in cost to obtain the drug or the presence of adverse consequences.
GENETICS
Gene-Wide Association Studies in Animal Models
One of the goals of PARC is to identify gene variants that are associated with greater vulnerability to compulsive cocaine and opioid use by performing genome-wide association studies in behaviorally characterized outbred rats.
