Investigating the neural circuits of addiction.

Overview

Our program focuses on the neural circuits of addiction, with an emphasis on critical molecular and cellular mechanisms that are responsible for adverse behavioral outcomes that are associated with substance abuse and dependence. The de Guglielmo Lab is located  in the department of Psychiatry at the UCSD School of Medicine and is part of the Preclinical Addiction Research Consortium (PARC) of UC San Diego

Interests

Drug addiction, Neuropeptides, Dependence, Optogenetics, Pharmacology, Physiology, Neuronal Ensembles, Animal Models, Behavioral Pharmacology

Diversity & Inclusion

The de Guglielmo Lab is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse, accepting, and inclusive research environment. We are dedicated to encouraging participation from underrepresented minority groups. We believe that a diverse research group strengthens science by offering diversity of perspectives, lived experiences, and research interests. We strive to promote diversity through education, mentorship, advocacy, and outreach.

In the news

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Opioid dependence found to permanently change brains of rats

Science Daily

January 24, 2020

Approximately one-quarter of patients who are prescribed opioids for chronic pain misuse them, with five to 10 percent developing an opioid use disorder or addiction. In a new study, researchers found that opioid dependence produced permanent changes in the brains of rats.

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Cellular atlas of amygdala reveals new treatment target for cocaine addiction

University of California News

October 12, 2023

Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies have created a unique, cell-by-cell atlas of the amygdala, a small structure deep within the brain that plays a crucial role in controlling emotional responses to drugs.

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UC San Diego’s Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research Awards Grants for Five Novel Studies

UCSanDiego Health Press Release

October 10, 2019

The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, the nation’s oldest research center for scientific inquiry into the safety and efficacy of cannabis, has announced $3 million in research grants to explore new applications of cannabis for a number of novel medical applications.

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