Alcohol Research Training in epigenetics and pathophysiology (ARTEP)

University Of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by a pattern of compulsive alcohol drinking or a loss of control over alcohol drinking. The development of addiction involves neurobiological and functional changes in several key brain regions that play a role in the behavioral manifestations of AUD. Epigenetic regulation (Histone, DNA, and RNA chemical modifications) of gene expression is an important area in the field of neuroscience that emphasizes the importance of gene interactions with environmental factors in the regulation of structural and functional changes in the brain. This renewal T32 training grant entitled "Alcohol Research Training in Epigenetics and Pathophysiology" (ARTEP) is designed to provide training directly to pre-doctoral (PhD in neuroscience, psychology or biology related field) and post-doctoral fellows (PhD, MD/PhD graduates) on epigenetic and biological processes that play a role in the neuroadaptive and behavioral responses to ethanol as well as the pathophysiology of AUD. Besides outstanding training in addiction research, trainees will also receive several supplemental targeted training opportunities that will include didactic courses, seminars, presentations at national and international scientific meetings, as well as training in responsible research conduct, research data handling and management and manuscript and grant writing. ARTEP-supported trainees will receive the guidance and mentorship necessary to become independent alcohol researchers. The overarching goal of this alcohol research training program is to continue to provide training to pre- and post-doctoral fellows in epigenetics and the underlying mechanisms of molecular and behavioral phenotypes of AUD. The objectives are: 1) To provide unified training and apply a multidisciplinary approach by involving established investigators as faculty sponsors with expertise in areas of animal models, human research, tissue culture, human post-mortem brain studies, neuroimaging, electrophysiology, psychiatry, anatomy, epigenetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics to cover a wide range of topics relevant to addiction. 2) To provide resources and a scientifically enriched environment for pre- and post-doctoral fellows for suitable training in neurobiological and behavioral studies in AUD that will enable them to become successful independent alcohol researchers. 3) To provide administrative and scientific leadership to trainees to help them develop into leading alcohol researchers. 4) To provide training in the preparation of competitive research grant applications (F or K grant mechanisms), to perform independent research and to prepare competitive applications for faculty positions at leading universities. The fact that this training program focuses on epigenetic mechanisms underlying behavioral phenotypes associated with AUD is very unique and will provide crucial training to the next generation of bright junior scientists and clinicians in the field of alcohol research.