Clyde Hodge, PhD

EMAIL: chodge@med.unc.edu

PERSONAL WEBSITE: https://www.med.unc.edu/pharm/directory/clyde-hodge-phd/

PUBLICATIONS: Publications Link

Our preclinical research is based on the concept that drugs of abuse gain control over behavior by hijacking molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity within brain reward circuits. To understand this process, we take a multidisciplinary preclinical approach that combines state-of-the-art behavioral methods with a variety of molecular, genetic, and pharmacological approaches. Members of our lab are dedicated to helping win the war on addiction by identifying targets of alcohol within brain reward circuits and validating compounds for potential pharmacotherapeutic impact. Our preclinical research employs several cutting-edge approaches to identify neural targets of voluntary alcohol self-administration in mice, including 2D-DIGE proteomics, Western blots, and immunohistochemistry. We evaluate neural circuits using track tracing, optogenetics, and site-specific microinjection strategies, and have plans to conduct fMRI in mice. To evaluate mechanistic regulation of behavioral pathologies in addiction, we employ knockout mice, viral vectors, and pharmacological approaches to manipulate molecular targets within specific brain region(s). We also evaluate co-morbid neuropsychiatric conditions including anxiety and depression as part of a comprehensive behavioral neuroscience strategy. The lab culture is collaborative and dynamic, innovative, and team-based. We are looking for colleagues who share an interest in understanding how alcohol hijacks reward pathways to produce addiction.,Our preclinical research is based on the concept that drugs of abuse gain control over behavior by hijacking molecular mechanisms of neuroplasticity within brain reward circuits. To understand this process, we take a multidisciplinary preclinical approach that combines state-of-the-art behavioral methods with a variety of molecular, genetic, and pharmacological approaches. Members of our lab are dedicated to helping win the war on addiction by identifying targets of alcohol within brain reward circuits and validating compounds for potential pharmacotherapeutic impact. Our preclinical research employs several cutting-edge approaches to identify neural targets of voluntary alcohol self-administration in mice, including 2D-DIGE proteomics, Western blots, and immunohistochemistry. We evaluate neural circuits using track tracing, optogenetics, and site-specific microinjection strategies, and have plans to conduct fMRI in mice. To evaluate mechanistic regulation of behavioral pathologies in addiction, we employ knockout mice, viral vectors, and pharmacological approaches to manipulate molecular targets within specific brain region(s). We also evaluate co-morbid neuropsychiatric conditions including anxiety and depression as part of a comprehensive behavioral neuroscience strategy. The lab culture is collaborative and dynamic, innovative, and team-based. We are looking for colleagues who share an interest in understanding how alcohol hijacks reward pathways to produce addiction.