In the RAD lab, I currently work as an Undergraduate Research Assistant, where we look at the neural pathways involved in addiction. In this study, we look at the effects of knocking out a gene found in the X chromosome in female and male rodents.
Previous studies have shown that female rodents drink more alcohol and show more aversion-resistance than males (Fulenwider et. al, 2019; Sneddon et. al, 2020). Few studies have examined the genes contributing to sex differences in alcohol binge drinking which has led to the study of GASP-1, a protein that binds to g-protein coupled receptors to regulate recycling out of the membrane. GPRASP, which translates the GASP-1 protein, is activated on both X chromosomes, leading to more expression of GASP in females than males.
The contribution of GASP-1 to alcohol drinking was examined in C57BL/6J mice using a viral knockdown technique. Experimental mice received the AAV8-GFP-U6-m-GPRASP1-shRNA virus while control mice received the scrambled virus infused into the nucleus accumbens core. Using a limited access two bottle choice paradigm, mice were administered H2O and 15% ethanol for 2 hours. The 15% EtOH was then adulterated with quinine over additional drinking sessions.
In Pilot I, females in the experimental group self-administered more alcohol than the control group before quinine was added. In Pilot I males and Pilot II, there were no observable differences in alcohol acquisition in the groups before and after the addition of quinine.
Although these studies are preliminary, they suggest that GASP-1 may contribute to alcohol drinking in female mice. Future studies are planned to examine sex differences in GASP-1 regulation of alcohol drinking behaviors in reward-related brain regions. As an aspiring Neurosurgeon-Scientist, my experience in this lab allows me to gain more technical knowledge and skills that will advance my future career.
Author(s): August Ogunnowo, Biology and Neuroscience Major
Advisor(s): Anna Radke, Department of Psychology
Roman Zegarelli, Department of Psychology
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