Professor Dai Stephens
Cluster Title: GABAA receptors in neurobiology of drug and alcohol addictions (Causes of Addiction and Vulnerability Factors)
Area of interest
The area of interest of our cluster is the discovery of the role of the GABAergic systems in brain areas such as the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex, known to be involved in the action of addictive drugs, and in controlling addictive behaviour. The planned research requires approaches at the molecular, genetic, systems, whole organism, and clinical levels. An important aspect will be to develop behavioural, electrophysiological, and brain imaging methods to identify individuals at risk of addiction as a result of subtle differences in the function of their GABAA receptors. We would then suggest either behavioural or pharmacological treatments that will help protect potentially vulnerable individuals from developing addictions or treat those who have already become addicted.
Policy direction
The main aim of this cluster is the discovery of brain mechanisms that contribute to drug and other addictions in order, eventually, to allow a rational approach to treatment. It thus addresses public health priority needs by contributing to the development of urgently needed treatments and developing ways in which these treatments may be best targeted to those at most risk.
Co-Investigators
• S King
• J Lambert
• T Duka
• D Belelli
Collaborators
• G Schumann
• J Bell
• H Crombag
• G Dawson
• H Thomas
• A Bateson
• S Desrivieres
• H Gurling
• W Wisden
• D Nutt
• T Ripley