Investigating the role of Dopamine in the spinal cord

OUR RESEARCH

Our lab is interested in understanding the organization and function of spinal cord neural networks that drive and modulate this integral part of the nervous system.

The spinal cord gates sensory input and controls motor output, but it is also involved in a wide range of autonomic functions in the body. Most importantly, it plays a crucial role in a number of neurological disorders, including Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and chronic pain.

Within these disorders, we focus on the role and interactions of dopamine (DA) and opioids in shaping behavioral outcomes. Working on animal models, we have been fortunate enough to host a series of strong undergraduate and graduate students, and we were granted US patents for new treatment options for both RLS and chronic pain.

OUR GOALS

Our lab aims to:

  1. Identify the spinal cord mechanisms associated with the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and improve therapeutic treatments

  2. Develop novel treatment outcomes for chronic pain

  3. Develop biomarkers to identify and predict opioids responsiveness in pain patients

  4. Assess effective treatments for preventing or reducing fibrosis after injury or with aging