Research Training - Genetics of Substance Abuse

描述（由申请人提供）：本提案正在寻求通过机构培训补助金继续支持一项培训计划，该计划旨在为从事研究职业的前和博士后研究员提供培训，这些研究人员将专注于研究遗传对药物滥用的影响。40多年来，IBG的科学家们一直在积极研究基因对药物滥用的影响。在人类和动物行为遗传学方面，与药物滥用有关的主要研究项目正在进行中。生物计量学、统计学和定量遗传技术的应用以及定量性状位点方法的发展使得对调节复杂性状的基因进行定位和鉴定成为可能。来自这些分析的信息，以及神经化学、神经药理学、神经生理学和分子遗传学的研究，将提供对与行为相关的基因功能的理解。人类和动物行为遗传学的主要研究项目目前正在进行中，包括大规模的国家合作研究，收集DNA库和丰富的表型数据集，可用于药物滥用研究。设备可用于基因型分析，包括全基因组分析，基因功能和表达研究，以及行为，生化和神经生理学研究。资助4名博士预科生和2名博士后，为期5年。博士预科学员将获得合作学术单位颁发的博士学位和行为遗传学证书。培训计划的学术要求包括行为遗传学、定量和生物计量遗传学、理论和计算机统计学、分子遗传学、生物信息学和基因组学、负责任的研究行为以及行为和临床表型课程。额外的要求根据学位授予的学术单位而有所不同。研究经验是培训的一个组成部分。博士后受训者也追求一个正式的项目，强调个人研究以及分子和定量行为遗传学的能力。为从事心理健康方面的研究工作做准备的其他活动包括：监督学生和/或技术人员、主持研讨会发言人、客座讲座、每周期刊俱乐部以及强制性参加负责任的研究行为课程。这一提议是为了培养科学家，使他们能够对我们理解基因对药物滥用脆弱性的影响做出重大贡献。这种理解将导致预防和减轻药物滥用的新办法。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposal is seeking continued support, via an institutional training grant, for a training program for pre- and postdoctoral fellows who will pursue research careers that focus on the study of genetic influences on substance abuse. The IBGfaculty is distinguished and active in research and IBG scientists have actively pursued studies of genetic influences on substance abuse for over 40 years. Major substance abuse-related research projects are now in progress in both human and animal behavior genetics. The application of biometrical, statistical, and quantitative genetic techniques and the development of quantitative trait loci methods allow the mapping and identification of genes that regulate complex traits. Information from such analyses, along with neurochemical, neuropharmacological, neurophysiological, and molecular genetic studies, will provide an understanding of gene function related to behavior. Major research projects are now in progress in both human and animal behavior genetics, including large scale national collaborative studies amassing DNA repositories and rich phenotypic data sets available for studies of substance abuse. Facilities are available for genotype assay, including genome-wide assays,gene function and expression studies, and behavioral, biochemical, and neurophysiological studies. Funds are requested to support 4 predoctoral and 2 postdoctoral trainees over a total period of 5 years. Predoctoral trainees receive doctorate degrees from a cooperating academic unit and certification in behavior genetics. Academic requirements in the training program include training in behavior genetics, quantitative and biometrical genetics, theoretical and computer-based statistics, molecular genetics, bioinformatics and genomics, responsible conduct of research, and courses on behavioral and clinical phenotypes. Additional requirements vary according to the degree granting academic unit. Research experience is an integral part of training. Postdoctoral trainees also pursue a formalized program that emphasizes individual research as well as competence in molecular and quantitative behavior genetics. Other activities in preparation for research careers in mental health include: supervision of students and/or technicians, hosting of seminar speakers, guest lecturing, a weekly journal club, and mandatory attendance in a course on the responsible conduct of research. This proposal is to train scientists who will be able to contribute significantly to our understanding of genetic contributions to the vulnerability to develop substance abuse. This understanding will lead to new approaches to the prevention and alleviation of substance abuse.