Sharona Sedighim

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.

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.

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

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

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.

The paper examines individual differences in addiction-like behaviors and cocaine versus food choice in Heterogeneous Stock rats, finding that high addiction score rats show increased cocaine preference after recent cocaine use.

Vaping nicotine-containing e-cigarettes causes addiction-like behaviors and cardiopulmonary issues in rats, which are reduced by varenicline.