CURRENT PROJECTS
Neuregulin3/ErbB4 Signaling During Nicotine Withdrawal
Neuregulin 3 is a member of the neuregulin family. SNPs in this gene and its cognate receptor, ErbB4 (HER4), have been implicated in nicotine dependence, but also in disorders known to be highly co-morbid with smoking, such as schizophrenia and ADHD. This project will involve multiple transgenic mouse models and experiments planned for this project will include electrophysiology, genomics, and animal behavior.
Publications:
Neuregulin 3 is a member of the neuregulin family. SNPs in this gene and its cognate receptor, ErbB4 (HER4), have been implicated in nicotine dependence, but also in disorders known to be highly co-morbid with smoking, such as schizophrenia and ADHD. This project will involve multiple transgenic mouse models and experiments planned for this project will include electrophysiology, genomics, and animal behavior.
Publications:
Understanding the pathophysiology of blood brain barrier (BBB) in substance use disorders (SUD) explicitly nicotine dependence
In Turner Lab at UKY, my prime research focuses on to understand the pathophysiology of blood brain barrier (BBB) in substance use disorders (SUD) explicitly nicotine dependence. BBB is composed of various cell types including endothelial cells which provide structural integrity to microvasculature through junctional protein organization at BBB. Drugs of abuse including nicotine may leads to compromised BBB integrity, uncontrolled transport of biomolecules in and out of the brain, neuroinflammation and abrupt neuronal functions. Novel therapies targeting BBB and related structural components may help to treat SUD and associated psychiatric disorder.
