The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston · PharmacologyThe Reward Circuit Lab
Fernanda Laezza · Galveston, Texas
Research Focus
Dr. Fernanda Laezza's lab focuses on understanding and treating psychiatric disorders by investigating brain circuits and their behaviors. The research emphasizes developing novel chemical probes that target specific protein interactions in neurons, particularly related to reward mechanisms. By studying how these probes influence neuronal activity, the team aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for various mental health conditions.
psychiatric disordersneuronal excitabilityprotein-protein interactionschemical probesreward circuitryaddictionnucleus accumbension channelsbehavioral neuroscience
Research Aims
4AIM 01Optimize the chemical probe 1028 for in vivo applications.
AIM 02Determine the molecular mechanism of action of the probe 1028.
AIM 03Investigate the effects of probe 1028 on neuronal circuit behavior.
AIM 04Advance understanding of reward-related behaviors in psychiatric disorders.
Skills the Lab Values
bioluminescence-based high-throughput screeningchemical optimization techniquesin vivo pharmacologyelectrophysiologybehavioral assaysmolecular biology techniquesprotein isolation and purificationfluorescence imagingdata analysis using Python
Output against the department
Publications115bottom 32% of dept.315th of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations3.0kbottom 22% of dept.359th of 462
this lab
most citedleast cited
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