Gene Expression Programs in Maturing Dopamine Neurons: Temporal Regulation, Subcellular Localization, and Alteration by Amphetamine

Early exposure to drugs of abuse is associated with cognitive deficits and higher rates of substance use disorders in adulthood. Brain centers involved in addiction continue to mature into adolescence, making it critical to understand normal developmental processes and how they are affected by drug use during this vulnerable period. This proposal will employ novel technology to study the interaction between drugs of abuse and brain development, which will provide critical knowledge towards developing strategies to prevent long- term adverse outcomes in adolescent drug users.