Department of Neurobiology
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Motivated Behaviors and Addiction
Home2024HomeDepartmentsDepartment of NeurobiologyOur ResearchMotivated Behaviors and Addiction

Our motivated behaviors and addiction research is focused on exploring the neural circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying reward processing, decision-making, and substance dependence. Through our research, we strive to shed light on the complexities of addiction and develop effective interventions to address this pressing public health issue.

Motivated Behaviors & Addiction Research Labs

Calu Lab

Motivated Behaviors sample imageThe Calu Lab is studying brain mechanisms underlying individual differences in natural reward learning, motivation, and behavioral flexibility. While many individuals try drugs of abuse, only a subset transition to addiction. Studying individual differences in addiction vulnerability is a critical step toward understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of motivation for drugs and their impact on the brain and behavior.

Cheer Lab

Cheer lab imageThe Cheer Lab aims to understand the physiological function of the endogenous cannabinoid system with a particular emphasis on normal motivated behaviors as well as its potential therapeutic role in pathological states such as addiction.

Jhou Lab

The Jhou Lab has a particular interest in individual differences in cocaine- and opioid-seeking, and in interactions of dopamine, GABA, and serotonin systems in the brain. Much of our work focuses on the VTA, rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) and connected areas, such as the cortex, habenula, and striatum.

Juarez Lab

Juarez labThe Juarez Lab is delineating how functionally diverse ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron subpopulations modulate opioid reinforcement and associative learning across the opioid exposure cycle. We aim to understand how the intrinsic and extrinsic regulators of activity in dopamine neuron subpopulations adapt across these experiences.

Lobo Lab

The Lobo Lab has demonstrated divergent roles in the two-ventral striatal (nucleus accumbens, or NAc) projection neurons in the rewarding effects of cocaine and morphine. Our work continues to study the two striatal projection neuron subtypes, as well as their downstream brain target regions, in psychiatric diseases including drug abuse, mood disorders and stereotypy disorders.

Pina Lab

The Pina Lab aims to identify the distinct neural circuits and signaling mechanisms that regulate excessive drug use and to determine how plasticity within these systems contributes to comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions. We are especially interested in how disrupted serotonin (5-HT) signaling can drive aggression and contribute to the development of anxiety and depression-like behavior.

Venniro Lab

The Venniro Lab focuses on understanding the psychological and neurobiological mechanisms guiding substance use disorders and motivated behavior. We are also interested in social behavior and its role in neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as improving the translational utility of animal models.