This laboratory,
over the last 20 years at the The Scripps Research Institute,
has focused on the use of neuropharmacology and genetics to
understand normal brain function as well as the etiology of
two common forms of mental illness: affective disorder (depression)
and substance abuse (alcohol and drug dependence). This work
encompasses parallel studies in animal models and clinical
populations, which is currently called “translational
research”. This type of research allows investigators
to simultaneously evaluate disorders in patients and to model
the condition in animals so that progress toward understanding
the causes for these disabilities can be more rapidly pursued.
The current and main focus of the laboratory is to determine
the central nervous system etiology of substance abuse.
Our strategy in studying these disorders in patients has
been to capitalize on the use of new accurate structured
diagnostics, using clinical and physiological measures,
combined with the latest genetic techniques in order to
identify risk and protective factors for the disorders of
alcohol and drug dependence. Since the prevalence of substance
dependence varies among certain racial/ethnic groups, we
have also focused on studying a wide range of ethnic groups
in order to evaluate genetic and cultural differences that
may lead to new clues for the causes of the disorders. Parallel
(translational) studies have been carried out in animal
models of the disorder. The ultimate goal is not only to
discover causes for the disorders but also to identify new
opportunities for intervention and prevention at the community
level in different ethnic groups.
Brief descriptions of the research programs of the laboratory
are described and links provided for further information:
NIDA
019333 Adolescent Marijuana Use in Native Americans
NIAAA
010201 Risk Factors for Alcoholism in Native
Americans
NIAAA
006420 Risk and Protective Factors for Alcoholism
in Mexican Americans
NIAAA
014370 Alcoholism Risk and Protective Factors
in Trinidad and Tobago
NIAAA
006059 EEG and ERP and Sleep Markers of Ethanol
Intoxication
NIAAA
014339 Neurobehavioral Consequences of Adolescent
Alcohol
