Sierra Simpson

Genome-wide association study of cocaine self-administration behavior in Heterogeneous Stock rats

This study performs a GWAS on cocaine self-administration in rats, identifying six genome-wide significant loci, including one linked to carboxylesterase genes involved in cocaine metabolism.

Curcumin Alleviates Systemic Inflammation and Gut Dysbiosis Induced by Circadian Rhythm Disruption in a Rodent Model of Jet Lag

High Incidence of Estrous Cycle Irregularities in Heterogeneous Stock (HS) Rats is Associated with Severe Cocaine Addiction-like Behaviors

This study finds that irregular estrous cycles in HS rats are associated with severe cocaine addiction-like behaviors, but estrous phase itself does not influence cocaine self-administration.

Large-scale characterization of cocaine addiction-like behaviors reveals that escalation of intake, aversion-resistant responding, and breaking-points are highly correlated measures of the same construct.

The paper shows that escalation of cocaine intake, progressive ratio responding, and continued use despite adverse consequences are highly correlated in rats, with sex differences in addiction-like behaviors.

Microbial short-chain fatty acids regulate drug seeking and transcriptional control in a model of cocaine seeking

This study shows that gut microbiome depletion increases cocaine-seeking behavior in rats, which can be reversed by replenishing short-chain fatty acids.

Voluntary and forced exposure to ethanol vapor produces similar escalation of alcohol drinking but differential recruitment of brain regions related to stress, habit, and reward in male rats.

This study compares voluntary and forced ethanol exposure in rats, finding similar drinking escalation and blood alcohol levels but distinct brain region activation during withdrawal.

Individual differences in oxycodone addiction-like behaviors in a large cohort of heterogeneous stock (HS) rats

The paper identifies individual differences in oxycodone addiction-like behaviors in HS rats to uncover genetic factors contributing to vulnerability and resilience.

Identification of pre-existing microbiome and metabolic vulnerabilities to escalation of oxycodone self-administration and identification of a causal role of short-chain fatty acids in addiction-like behaviors.

The paper identifies microbiome and metabolic vulnerabilities linked to oxycodone self-administration escalation and shows SCFAs have a causal role in addiction-like behaviors.

Identification of individual differences in response to methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone in animal models of opioid use disorder

The paper tests individual differences in response to methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone in rats with opioid use disorder, finding varying efficacy based on addiction severity.

Characterization of the brain functional architecture of psychostimulant withdrawal using single-cell whole brain imaging

The paper uses single-cell whole-brain imaging to analyze how psychostimulant withdrawal alters brain functional architecture, finding reduced modularity as a common feature across drugs.

The gut microbiome is associated with cocaine behavior and predicts addiction vulnerability in adult male rats

This study links gut microbiota composition to cocaine behavior in rats, showing that baseline microbial profiles predict addiction vulnerability.

Brainstem control of urethral sphincter relaxation and scent marking behavior

The paper identifies a subset of brainstem neurons that control urethral sphincter relaxation and scent marking behavior in mice.

Central amygdala CRF pathways in alcohol dependence

This study identifies CeA CRF neurons and their projections to the BNST as drivers of excessive alcohol drinking and withdrawal in rats.