Brigitte Lina Kieffer

GPR88 localization to primary cilia in neurons is cell-type specific.

This study shows GPR88 localizes to primary cilia in specific neuronal cell types in the striatum and somatosensory cortex.

Sex-divergent brain epigenetic reprogramming by chronic opioids

This study identifies sex-specific epigenetic changes in the nucleus accumbens of male and female mice exposed to chronic morphine, revealing shared biological dysregulation and potential therapeutic targets.

Mu opioid receptor expression by nucleus accumbens inhibitory interneurons promotes affiliative social behavior

The paper identifies nucleus accumbens inhibitory interneurons as a key site where mu opioid receptor expression promotes social behavior, distinct from its role in exogenous opioid sensitivity.

Effect of selective lesions of nucleus accumbens μ-opioid receptor-expressing cells on heroin self-administration in male and female rats: a study with novel Oprm1-Cre knock-in rats

This study introduces a CRISPR-based Oprm1-Cre knock-in rat to investigate the role of nucleus accumbens MOR-expressing cells in heroin self-administration, finding sex-specific effects on acquisition and effort.

Neurons expressing mu opioid receptors of the habenula promote negative affect in a projection-specific manner

The paper shows that MHb-MOR neurons promote negative affect through distinct projection pathways to the IPN and DRN, revealing two routes for aversion and anxiety.

Mapping the living mouse brain neural architecture: strain specific patterns of brain structural and functional connectivity

The paper compares structural and functional brain connectivity between C57BL/6 and BALB/cJ mice using MRI techniques, revealing strain-specific differences in brain morphology and connectivity patterns.

Increased functional coupling of the mu opioid receptor in the anterior insula of depressed individuals

The paper investigates increased mu opioid receptor (MOR) functional coupling in the anterior insula of depressed individuals, linking it to increased expression of the inhibitory G-protein subunit GNAI2.

Knockdown of Hypocretin/Orexin Attenuates Extended-Access Cocaine Self-Administration in Rats

This study shows that knocking down hypocretin/orexin in rats reduces cocaine self-administration during extended access, suggesting a role in compulsive drug-taking behavior.