Charles B. G. Murphy Professor of Psychiatry and Professor in the Child Study Center, of Neuroscience and of Pharmacology
Field:
Expertise:
Nicotine addiction, alcohol drinking, psychological stress, opioid abuse
Description:
The goal of Dr. Picciotto’s research team is to understand the role of single molecules in complex behaviors related to addiction, depression, feeding and learning. She and her colleagues use molecular genetic, pharmacological and in vivo imaging approaches to link the biochemical, cellular, circuit and anatomical levels of investigation to behavior. Of primary interest is the role of acetylcholine and acetylcholine receptors in brain function and development, as well as sex differences in molecular and circuit-level signaling relevant for behavior.