The Role of Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 1A (ASIC1A) in the Behavioral and Synaptic Effects of Oxycodone and Other Opioids.

Opioid-seeking behaviors depend on glutamatergic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc). Here we investigated whether the behavioral and synaptic effects of opioids are influenced by acid-sensing ion channel 1A (ASIC1A). We tested the effects of ASIC1A on responses to several opioids and found that mice had elevated behavioral responses to acute opioid administration as well as opioid seeking behavior in conditioned place preference (CPP).

Guidelines for organizing accessible and inclusive research retreats.

Research retreats are elements of scientific graduate training programs. Although expected to provide strong educational value, some students are reluctant to attend. Here, we identify participation barriers and provide guidelines for retreat design that minimize obstacles and establish an inclusive environment to improve attendance and enrichment for all attendees.

Investigating role of ASIC2 in synaptic and behavioral responses to drugs of abuse.

Drugs of abuse produce rearrangements at glutamatergic synapses thought to contribute to drug-reinforced behaviors. Acid-Sensing Ion Channels (ASICs) have been suggested to oppose these effects, largely due to observations in mice lacking the ASIC1A subunit. However, the ASIC2A and ASIC2B subunits are known to interact with ASIC1A, and their potential roles in drugs of abuse have not yet been investigated.