UCLA Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology,
MacDonald Research Lab,
675 Charles E Young Dr South,
Los Angeles, California 90095

(310) 794-7011

Center for Study of Opioid Receptors and Drugs of Abuse (CSORDA)

The research objectives of CSORDA are to gain insights into the mechanisms of action of endogenous opioids and opioid drugs at their cognate receptors with the goal of discerning fundamental processes contributing to behaviors such as analgesia, addiction, tolerance and withdrawal. The Center has four integrated components, which investigate the activity of opioid ligands at the molecular, cellular and behavioral levels utilizing complementary methodologies and shared resources.

The Components of CSORDA specifically investigate:

  1. The regulation of trafficking and signaling of mu and delta receptors in vivo by high resolution imaging of mice expressing fluorescent receptors (PIs: Andrew Charles, Brigitte Kieffer) ;
  2. The basis for mu ligand- directed signaling and receptor trafficking using primary dorsal root ganglia cells from wild-type as well as receptor and arrestin-deficient mice (PIs: Chris Evans, Tim Hales, Wendy Walwyn, Cui-Wei Xie);
  3. The role of the endogenous opioid system in goal-directed and habitual behaviors both in drug free and opioid dependent conditions (PIs; Bernard Balleine, Nigel Maidment);
  4. The functional regulation of transcripts in the striatonigral and striatopallidal projection neuron circuits and their relation to opioid drug reward (PI: William Yang).

In addition to the research specified within the components, a Pilot Program will continue to create new ' avenues of investigation within the Center and enrich the ongoing programs ( PIs: Kelsey Martin, Yi Sun, Jack Feldman).

For facilitation of the component and pilot projects, an Administrative Core, led by Chris Evans, Nigel Maidment, Martin Iguchi and the CSORDA Mouse Core (CMC), directed by Jim Boulter and Michael Fanselow, serve to integrate resources and coordinate the needs of the center.

 

The overall mission of CSORDA is to enhance the understanding of the mammalian opioid system thereby providing strategies for improving the clinical use of opioids and treatments for addiction.

 

Funded by NIDA June, 2007 to May, 2011

Publications


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