CRBS Seminar series : Receptor function in brain circuits: opioid receptors and GPR88

Abstract :
Revolutions in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) research and fascinating developments in basic neuroscience have tremendously advanced our knowledge on brain function, and opened new avenues to treat brain disease. This presentation will summarize how genetic mouse tools have allowed deciphering opioid receptor localization and function in the rapidly evolving area of opioid research, and in particular how opioid receptors operate within the neurocircuitry of addiction. Recent work linking mu opioid receptor gene and drug activities to whole-brain functional networks, using by fMRI in mice, will also be presented. Finally, we will present how similar approaches have allowed progress in the study of GPR88, a fascinating orphan receptor considered a promising target to treat neuropsychiatric disorders.