Research Synopsis
The Ferguson laboratory investigates the molecular and systems-level mechanisms that drive alcohol use disorder and related neuropsychiatric conditions. We are particularly interested in how communication between the brain and periphery influences vulnerability to addiction and shapes treatment outcomes. To address these questions, we combine computational, molecular, and behavioral approaches in both mice and humans.
Our work integrates multi-omics datasets, cross-species analyses, and gene network modeling to identify biomarkers of alcohol-related behaviors and reveal mechanistic pathways that can be targeted for intervention. A major focus is on developing transcriptome-guided biomarker panels and strategies for drug discovery and repurposing, with the long-term goal of advancing precision medicine approaches for addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
