Kevin Coffey, PhD
I use carefully designed rat and mouse behavioral models to investigate disorders of the nervous system, particularly stress and substance use disorders. To explore the neural underpinnings of these disorders, I utilize a deep toolkit of behavioral neuroscience and molecular biology techniques, including fiber-photometry, optogenetics, designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs), ribosome affinity purification (RiboTag), and RNA-Seq.
I have recently received a K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award, as well as a P30 Pilot Award through the University of Washington NAPE Center. My work on the K99 and P30 will integrate in-vivo optical neuroscience techniques (photometry, optogenetics, endoscopy) with a rat model of oral fentanyl self-administration. We plan to record and manipulate Lateral Habenula projections to monoaminergic midbrain nuclei, with the goal of reducing the negative emotional impact of opioid withdrawal and reducing the propensity to relapse.
Department Affiliations
Centers/Programs
- Determining if activity in LHb projections to the RMTg promotes cued reinstatement to fentanyl seeking through indirect inhibition of VTA dopamine neurons
- Determining if activity in specific lateral habenula output pathways motivates avoidance of synthetic opioid withdrawal or cue induced reinstatement
