Our Work
Our work emphasizes reward mechanisms which are strongly conserved in evolution. We have explored communication- and social networks, and the influence of the environment on individual choices.
NATURAL & DRUG-SENSITIVE REWARD
Invertebrate models have emerged as powerful new study systems in addiction research, offering a comparative and complementary approach to the more typical mammalian one. We highlight the parallels to the latter system in the organizational structure of a Frontiers Research Topic entitled ‘Invertebrate Models of Natural and Drug-Sensitive Reward’.
Like many other many invertebrate taxa, natural reward circuits in Drosophila are surprisingly sensitive to human drugs of abuse, and flies exhibit strong responses to common psychostimulants. Taking advantage of the vast array of genetic tools currently available for this taxon, we are characterizing the behavioral effects of ethanol and the synthetic cathinones. Although the latter share a chemical structure with amphetamines and pose a significant public health threat, what little is known of the neuropharmacology, behavioral and physiological effects comes from surveys of drug abusers and ER visits rather than experimental studies. Characterizing behavioral effects potentially contributes to regulatory control and the definition of a consistent legal framework.
