The long-term objective of this proposal is to develop a genomic and proteomic 'fingerprint' of heroin self-administration. This will be accomplished by comparing changes in mRNA and protein levels from medium spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) between heroin self-administering mice and yoked-heroin and saline controls. It is hypothesized that heroin administration will induce changes in mRNA and protein levels in the NAcc neurons that are specific to the means of administration, i.e. self-administration vs. yoked-controls. This hypothesis will be tested using a variety of techniques. Single cell mRNA amplification will be used to produce probes for screening Incyte cDNA GEM arrays as well as custom made 'neuroarrays'. Differential changes in mRNA seen using the arrays will be confirmed using in situ hybridization and real-time PCR. The results of these mRNA experiments will be used to identify target proteins, which will be examined using immuno-histochemistry as well as a newly developed proteomic technique, IDAT, which allows for the examination of 100s of proteins at a time. The establishment of a genomic and proteoinic fingerprint will lead to a better understanding of heroin abuse and could eventually lead to more effective treatments as well as identification of molecular risk factors associated with substance abuse.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
3F32DA015257-01S1
Application #
6666192
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Hoffman, Allison
Project Start
2002-03-01
Project End
2003-02-28
Budget Start
2002-03-01
Budget End
2003-02-28
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$5,892
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pennsylvania
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104