Search
Olivier George
- Jan 14, 2020
- 3 min
Building a brain map of alcohol dependence.
This new paper provide the first brain map of alcohol dependence at single cell resolution in an animal model of Alcohol use disorder. Employing advanced technologies that allow whole brain imaging at single-cell resolution, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine report that in an alcohol-dependent mouse model, the rodent brain’s functional architecture is substantially remodeled. But when deprived of alcohol, the mice displayed increased coordin
104 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Jan 14, 2020
- 1 min
Treating opioid use disorder one rat at a time.
This paper provide preclinical evidence that targeting the D3 receptors may provide efficacy in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Using an animal model for the study of opioid use disorder, researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine report that blocking the D3 receptor using a novel and specific antagonist (VK4-116) decreases the motivation to seek and take oxycodone and decreased the negative emotional states of opioid withdrawal. The findings,
35 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Jan 13, 2020
- 2 min
Identification of a new target that reduces excessive opioid use in dependent individuals.
This new paper identify a neuropeptide that is acting in a key brain region responsible for opioid dependence and demonstrates that it is possible to reverse the motivation to use opioids in opioid-dependent rats. More than 2 million individuals in the United States currently have a substance use disorder that is related to prescription opioid pain relievers. In a new study published online in PNSA on January 13, 2020, Drs. Kallupi and de Guglielmo used behavioral models, mol
33 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Mar 26, 2019
- 3 min
Identification of a neuronal pathway responsible for excessive drinking and alcohol dependence
This new paper identify a key brain network responsible for alcohol dependence and demonstrates that it is possible to reverse the desire to drink in alcohol-dependent rats by targeting this specific group of neurons using lasers. In a new study published online in Nature Communications on March 18, 2019, Dr. de Guglielmo used behavioral models, molecular biology, electrophysiology and optogenetics to unveil the role of a corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) neuronal ensemble
96 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Oct 17, 2018
- 4 min
An Enzymatic Approach for the Treatment of Nicotine Addiction
The George lab demonstrates that a novel enzymatic approach that prevents nicotine from reaching the brain not only decrease the level of nicotine dependence, but also decreases compulsive nicotine intake and relapse in animal models. In a study published online in Science Advances on Oct. 17, 2018, Dr. Kallupi gave nicotine-dependent rats an engineered enzyme that breaks down nicotine in the bloodstream before it can reach the brain. Treatment quickly reduced the animals’ mo
156 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Jan 9, 2018
- 1 min
An enzymatic advance in nicotine cessation therapy.
The George lab published a new study in collaboration with the Janda lab providing preclinical evidence that a newly engineered enzyme can degrade nicotine in the blood so that nicotine cannot reach the brain and produce dependency effects. This preclinical study co-lead by Dr. Xue (Research Associate in the Janda lab) and Dr. Kallupi (Research Associate in the George lab) shows that administration of this new enzyme called NicA2 can prevent the development of nicotine depend
147 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Aug 26, 2017
- 2 min
Alcohol binge-drinking facilitates the transition to dependence, but regular drinking may be almost
The George lab published a new study providing preclinical evidence that several months of alcohol binge-like drinking facilitates the transition to compulsive-like alcohol drinking, but that regular drinking ultimately leads to similar level of compulsive drinking. This preclinical study lead by Dr. Adam Kimbrough (Research Associate in the George lab) shows that in rats, 5 months of prior intermittent, but not continuous, access to ethanol, accelerated the transition to exc
96 views0 comments
Olivier George
- May 27, 2017
- 1 min
Cortical and Amygdalar Neuronal Ensembles in Alcohol Seeking, Drinking and Withdrawal
The George lab published a new invited review in collaboration with Dr. Bruce Hope at the National Institute on Drugs of Abuse (NIDA) on the identification of specific neuronal ensembles responsible for different aspects of alcohol use disorder. This review is part of a special issue of Neuropharmacology edited by Dr. Adron R. Harris (University of Texas at Austin) and Dr. George F, Koob (NIH/NIAAA) on the Neuropharmacology of Alcoholism. Article on the Neuropharmacology's we
102 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Apr 11, 2017
- 3 min
Voluntary vaping alcohol produces alcohol dependence in rats.
The George lab published a new study providing preclinical evidence that self-administration of alcohol vapor produces alcohol dependence in rats. This preclinical study lead by Dr. de Guglielmo (Senior Research Associate in the George lab) demonstrates voluntary induction and maintenance of alcohol dependence in rats using alcohol vapor self-administration. This study is groundbreaking for two reasons. The first is because it shows that vaping alcohol, a new trend in adolesc
176 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Jul 29, 2015
- 1 min
Our work on nicotine dependence featured in Nature Outlook.
Increasing awareness of the dramatic impact of drug addiction on our society and providing novel therapeutic approaches to cure drug addiction are key missions of TSRI researchers in the George lab. LA JOLLA, CA – July 29 2015 – Nature Outlook: Addiction is a very interesting and free full access supplement aimed at the general public which describe the impact of drug addiction on our society and highlight the latest researchs and theories on drug addiction. Our work on nicot
10 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Jul 6, 2015
- 1 min
A novel therapeutic strategy for alcoholism: Blocking the stress system using glucocorticoid antagon
A new paper published in collaboration with Leandro Vendruscolo and the Barbara Mason lab provide robust evidence that mifepristone reduces alcohol drinking in rats and humans. LA JOLLA, CA – April 21, 2015 – The present studies indicate that attenuation of GR function by mifepristone reduces compulsive-like alcohol intake in alcohol-dependent rats and reduces both excessive drinking and alcohol craving in recently abstinent alcoholics — in addition to improving liver-functio
40 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Apr 22, 2015
- 1 min
New paper published in collaboration with the Tapper lab: Identification of a new brain pathway cont
LA JOLLA, CA – April 21, 2015 – Few months ago we published a paper in Nature Neuroscience providing evidence that a previously unknown population of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) was responsible for the emergence of nicotine withdrawal and excessive nicotine intake observed in dependent mice and rats. One important question which was left unanswered in the previous study was "Where do these VTA CRF neurons projects to? The p
26 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Apr 14, 2015
- 3 min
New paper published: Nicotine facilitates the transition to alcohol dependence through dysfunction o
LA JOLLA, CA – March 11, 2015 – Why do smokers have a five to ten times greater risk of developing alcohol dependence than nonsmokers? Do smokers have a greater tendency toward addiction in general or does nicotine somehow reinforce alcohol consumption? Now, a study led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) helps provide insight into these questions, showing that, in rat models, nicotine exposure actually promotes alcohol dependence. "It's a vicious cycle," s
32 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Nov 17, 2014
- 4 min
New paper published by the George Lab: Identification of a new type of neurons that contributes to n
TSRI Researchers Discover New Type of Neuron that Plays Key Role in Nicotine Addiction LA JOLLA, CA – November 17, 2014 – For decades, scientists thought drug addiction was the result of two separate systems in the brain—the reward system, which was activated when a person used a drug, and the stress system, which kicked in during withdrawal. Now scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) have found that these two systems are actually linked. Their findings, publishe
8 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Aug 15, 2014
- 1 min
Postdoctoral position available in the lab
UPDATE: position has been filled.
A postdoctoral position will be available in the lab in a near future: Succesful applicants will receive training under support from the NIH/NIAAA T32 Training grant program (US citizen/permanent residents). This solicitation seeks applicants who have interest in nicotine and alcohol dependence research as well as the interactive effects of nicotine and alcohol on brain functions and addiction-related behaviors. Experience in rat behavior, slice electrophysiology and optogene
30 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Aug 4, 2014
- 1 min
Smoking may produce excessive immature neurons
Latest paper published: Nicotine dependence increases the number of immature neurons in the hippocampus. It was believed that nicotine and tobacco smoke decrease the production of new neurons in adult. However, previous studies have used animal models with limited relevance to nicotine dependence such as limited access to nicotine self-administration or passive exposure to nicotine of tobacco smoke. New results from the George and Mandyam labs (link to PDF), using a novel an
166 views0 comments
Olivier George
- Apr 24, 2014
- 1 min
Alcohol Vapor Self-Administration
The lab has just been awarded a new 5 year grant by the NIH to study Alcohol Vapor Self-Administration. Very excited to start this new line of research. #alcohol #vapor #selfadministration #addiction #dependence #animalmodel
40 views0 comments
{"items":["5e5b2d21942fc900345e964d","5e5b2d214b19cf0034354c45","5e5b2d21608be800340b31dc","5e5b2d213ded5600346e792e","5e5b2d216a32bd004ae3dd88","5e5b2d202f2a310034dd3d09","5e5b2d20b5f78000345e3430","5e5b2d20b9c8c100347a027a","5e5b2d20d364820034318e7e","5e5b2d203ded5600346e792b","5e5b2d21498cfc003466917b","5e5b2d21b9c8c100347a027b","5e5b2d21993a1200346b9af5","5e5b2d216a32bd004ae3dd89","5e5b2d210566df003567c3dd","5e5b2d21c41f9b00340844c2","5e5b2d21cdaf7300345d1a10","5e5b2d21ddf4f8003511ab3d"],"styles":{"galleryType":"Columns","groupSize":1,"showArrows":true,"cubeImages":true,"cubeType":"fill","cubeRatio":1.3333333333333333,"isVertical":true,"gallerySize":30,"collageAmount":0,"collageDensity":0,"groupTypes":"1","oneRow":false,"imageMargin":32,"galleryMargin":0,"scatter":0,"rotatingScatter":"","chooseBestGroup":true,"smartCrop":false,"hasThumbnails":false,"enableScroll":true,"isGrid":true,"isSlider":false,"isColumns":false,"isSlideshow":false,"cropOnlyFill":false,"fixedColumns":1,"enableInfiniteScroll":true,"isRTL":false,"minItemSize":50,"rotatingGroupTypes":"","rotatingCropRatios":"","columnWidths":"","gallerySliderImageRatio":1.7777777777777777,"numberOfImagesPerRow":1,"numberOfImagesPerCol":1,"groupsPerStrip":0,"borderRadius":0,"boxShadow":0,"gridStyle":1,"mobilePanorama":false,"placeGroupsLtr":true,"viewMode":"preview","thumbnailSpacings":4,"galleryThumbnailsAlignment":"bottom","isMasonry":false,"isAutoSlideshow":false,"slideshowLoop":false,"autoSlideshowInterval":4,"bottomInfoHeight":0,"titlePlacement":"SHOW_ON_THE_RIGHT","galleryTextAlign":"center","scrollSnap":false,"itemClick":"nothing","fullscreen":true,"videoPlay":"hover","scrollAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","slideAnimation":"SCROLL","scrollDirection":0,"scrollDuration":400,"overlayAnimation":"FADE_IN","arrowsPosition":0,"arrowsSize":23,"watermarkOpacity":40,"watermarkSize":40,"useWatermark":true,"watermarkDock":{"top":"auto","left":"auto","right":0,"bottom":0,"transform":"translate3d(0,0,0)"},"loadMoreAmount":"all","defaultShowInfoExpand":1,"allowLinkExpand":true,"expandInfoPosition":0,"allowFullscreenExpand":true,"fullscreenLoop":false,"galleryAlignExpand":"left","addToCartBorderWidth":1,"addToCartButtonText":"","slideshowInfoSize":200,"playButtonForAutoSlideShow":false,"allowSlideshowCounter":false,"hoveringBehaviour":"NEVER_SHOW","thumbnailSize":120,"magicLayoutSeed":1,"imageHoverAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imagePlacementAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","calculateTextBoxWidthMode":"PERCENT","textBoxHeight":0,"textBoxWidth":200,"textBoxWidthPercent":50,"textImageSpace":10,"textBoxBorderRadius":0,"textBoxBorderWidth":0,"loadMoreButtonText":"","loadMoreButtonBorderWidth":1,"loadMoreButtonBorderRadius":0,"imageInfoType":"ATTACHED_BACKGROUND","itemBorderWidth":1,"itemBorderRadius":0,"itemEnableShadow":false,"itemShadowBlur":20,"itemShadowDirection":135,"itemShadowSize":10,"imageLoadingMode":"BLUR","expandAnimation":"NO_EFFECT","imageQuality":90,"usmToggle":false,"usm_a":0,"usm_r":0,"usm_t":0,"videoSound":false,"videoSpeed":"1","videoLoop":true,"jsonStyleParams":"","gallerySizeType":"px","gallerySizePx":616,"allowTitle":true,"allowContextMenu":true,"textsHorizontalPadding":-30,"itemBorderColor":{"themeName":"color_12","value":"rgba(164,6,6,1)"},"showVideoPlayButton":true,"galleryLayout":2,"targetItemSize":616,"selectedLayout":"2|bottom|1|fill|true|0|true","layoutsVersion":2,"selectedLayoutV2":2,"isSlideshowFont":false,"externalInfoHeight":0,"externalInfoWidth":0.5},"container":{"width":616,"galleryWidth":648,"galleryHeight":0,"scrollBase":0,"height":null}}
