Marisela Morales, Ph.D.
Branch Chief
Contact
Location:
Biomedical Research Center
251 Bayview Blvd
Suite 200, Room 06A729
Baltimore, MD 21224
Phone: 667-312-5389
Email: MMORALES@intra.nida.nih.gov
Branch Overview
The Integrative Neuroscience Branch conducts research at the cellular, molecular, and systems levels to identify the neural substrates upon which drugs of abuse act to produce long-term alterations in behavior and brain function. The aims of our research are to:
- Delineate the afferent inputs, efferent targets, physiological characteristics, and behavioral functions of ventral tegmental area and dorsal raphe neurons. In order to accomplish this, we utilize classical tract tracing techniques, radioactive and nonradioactive in situ hybridization, ex vivo electrophysiological recordings, in vivo single-unit electrophysiological recordings, optogenetics, pharmacogenetics, and behavioral assays (Neuronal Networks Section);
- Identify drug-evoked alterations in sigma receptor function and interorganellar signaling between the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondrion, and nucleus that lead to abnormalities in neuronal function and structure associated with the chronic use of abused drugs (Cellular Pathobiology Section)
- Studies the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation in neuronal dysfunction caused by substance abuse or neurodegenerative diseases (Cellular Stress and Inflammation)
