Rat Animal Models and Gene Testing Core

$347,808U24FY2015AANIH

Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Paper 36153003 Paper 33096475 Paper 33075417 Paper 32882352 Paper 32798691 Paper 32664441 Paper 32607619 Paper 32527792 Paper 32484507 Paper 32353460 Paper 31891743 Paper 31586043 Paper 31473285 Paper 30384323 Paper 30129253 Paper 29786868 Paper 29455292 Paper 29448234 Paper 29427829 Paper 29312017 Paper 29146494 Paper 29144544 Paper 28983843 Paper 28858384 Paper 28215999 Paper 28118495 Paper 27986929 Paper 27461754 Paper 27061086 Paper 27060486 Paper 27055615 Paper 26810002 Paper 26809998 Paper 26802730 Paper 26334550 Paper 26254965 Paper 26183165 Paper 26168897 Paper 26074425 Paper 26071905 Paper 25827842 Paper 25813713 Paper 25642160 Paper 25585681 Paper 24355552 Paper 24290311 Paper 24157127 Paper 23714385 Paper 23537837 Paper 22841890 Paper 22750062 Paper 22579914 Paper 22486609 Paper 21824488 Paper 21397625 Paper 21110997 Paper 20148776 Paper 20116196 Paper 20004336 Paper 19874574 Paper 19673743 Paper 19666046 Paper 19166871 Paper 19128203 Paper 18713644 Paper 18486429 Paper 18405950 Paper 18272438 Paper 17157716 Paper 16792573 Paper 16792572 Paper 16723995 Paper 16442608 Paper 16433731 Paper 16076936 Paper 15608603 Paper 15528008

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The overall objectives of this U01 research core application are to (a) provide selectively bred high ethanol (EtOH)-consuming rats that have experienced the drinking-in-dark (DID) EtOH binge-drinking protocol and their controls, or whole brains or brain sub-regions from these rats; and (b) use shRNAi's and other pharmacological tools to help identify genes, gene systems and receptors involved in the predisposition for, and development and maintenance of, EtOH binge-drinking. The overall hypothesis is that particular 'candidate' genes and their associated molecular networks within the extended amygdala and associated brain regions significantly contribute to the development and maintenance of, and a predisposition for, excessive EtOH drinking. The overall hypothesis will be tested by (a) providing alcohol-preferring (P) and high-alcohol-drinking (HAD) rats (or their whole brains or brain regions) that have been taken through the binge drinking protocol to other INIA U01 investigators; (b) using shRNAi's to reduce expression of 'candidate' genes within the extended amygdala and associated regions; and (c) examining the effects of ligands targeted for 'candidate' gene products and their molecular networks on, binge-drinking. Providing insight into the complex molecular and cellular events that lead to the development and maintenance of excessive alcohol drinking behavior in animal models is highly significant since these findings will provide the necessary foundation for developing novel treatment strategies targeting alcohol abuse and alcoholism. This is a highly innovative project since it will use state-of-the-art techniques to selectively reduce expression of 'candidate' genes in multiple genetically predisposed 'families' (i.e., the P, HAD1 and HAD2) of rats and in discrete CNS regions that are involved in regulating alcohol drinking. This U01 research core provides synergy with several INIA-West components by addressing the first two specific aims of INIA, i.e., confirm gene targets and identify drugable targets for medications focused on treating alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

View original record on NIH RePORTER →