Our Approach
Our Approach
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The basic premise of our lab is to assay the neurobiological maladaptations that occur after ethanol abuse or other damaging events. We then manipulate those effects with pharmacologic interventions and (hopefully) measure improvements in behavior and/or neurodegeneration. Below are a few of the techniques used most commonly in our laboratory.
Molecular Techniques
The lab uses various molecular biology techniques including qRT-PCR, western blots, and genotyping.
Fluorescence Microscopy & Confocal Imaging
The image above is an example of neuronal retrograde tracing. We are equipped for fluorescence and confocal microscopy.
Immunohistochemistry
The images above are brightfield photomicrographs of Iba-1+ microglia processed with the chromogen DAB. The lab also uses a variety of fluorescent tagging for colabeling studies.
Chemogenetic Manipulations:
Using both transgenic and viral delivery, our lab manipulates GPCR signaling in astrocytes and neuronal populations. (Image courtesy of Lovic Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Calgary)
Neuropharmacologic Manipulation
Our lab is interested in regional and circuit-level neurologic function, so we use site-directed and global pharmacologic manipulations.
In Vivo Microdialysis
To better understand how specific brain circuits regulate behavior, we measure neurochemical signaling while animals are actively behaving. Our lab uses in vivo microdialysis to continuously sample extracellular fluid from targeted brain regions in awake, freely moving animals.
Fiber Photometry & Optogenetic Stimulation
Our lab is implementing a combined fiber photometry and optogenetic stimulation platform to simultaneously monitor and manipulate neural activity in awake, freely moving animals. Fiber photometry enables real-time measurement of genetically encoded fluorescent sensors, allowing us to monitor dynamic changes in neural activity. Combined with optogenetic stimulation, this approach allows us to directly test how specific neural circuits regulate neural activity and behavior.
Cell Culture
Our lab and Dr. Correia are collaborating with Dr. Qing Cheng to utilize cell culture to understand the mechanisms underlying the cellular and physiological changes caused by alcohol-induced neuroimmune modulation.
Genetic Manipulations & Behaviors with C. elegans
Dr. Derk is leading the lab efforts to use genetic techniques to clone and inject extrachromosomal arrays into C. elegans to modify specific neuronal circuits known to guide chemotaxis behavior.
From there, we track our control and mutant worms on various chemotaxis assays and quantify their trajectories, reversal numbers, and endpoints towards or away from chemicals.
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