BIOLOGICAL BASES OF ALCOHOLISM

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Project Summary / Abstract The overarching aim of this pre- and post-doctoral training program is to develop specialists who are able to conduct basic research at levels ranging from the molecular to the cognitive/clinical, on the biological mechanisms underlying the etiology, treatment and prevention of alcohol (ethanol) use disorders. Twenty members of the graduate faculty of the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) serve as preceptors for predoctoral students and postdoctoral research fellows in two graduate programs at OHSU—Behavioral Neuroscience, and the Neuroscience Graduate Program. Major research interests represent areas of common interest, such as genetic bases for ethanol responses and risk, learned and unlearned determinants of ethanol reward, neurobiological bases for the rewarding, aversive and neuropathological effects of ethanol, neuroadaptive mechanisms associated with repeated and/or developmental ethanol exposure, ethanol dependence and sensitization, and effects of ethanol on memory, cognition and social behavior. In addition, comparison to the effects of other drugs of abuse is of significant interest. Technical strategies reflect three levels of analysis: I. Behavioral/cognitive/social, II. Neurophysiological/neuropharmacological/systems, III. Cellular/molecular/genomic biological. Coordinated research efforts within the Portland Alcohol Research Center (PARC), the Integrative Neuroscience Initiative on Alcoholism (INIA) and Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) have strengthened training by unifying investigators and creating multidimensional research projects. Training includes firm curricular grounding in the basic sciences, specific pharmacological training in ethanol and drug addiction, and extensive and continuous participation in research. Four predoctoral trainees per year will be supported by the training grant for 2-3 years, and then by individual National Research Service Awards or their mentors' resources. Three postdoctoral trainees per year will be supported by the training grant for 2 years. We have a well-developed plan for improving the diversity of our trainees and all trainees are expected to complete an initial intensive course in the Responsible Conduct of Research, as well as continuing education in this area. Ample opportunities exist for our trainees to be involved in public education and outreach.