Virginia Commonwealth University · NeuroscienceNucleus Accumbens Addiction Research Lab
Peter James Hamilton · Richmond, Virginia
Research Focus
Dr. Peter Hamilton's research lab focuses on how specific brain proteins, known as transcription factors, influence behaviors related to drug addiction. By using innovative synthetic biology techniques, they explore the differences between how stimulants and opioids affect the brain, particularly in a region called the nucleus accumbens. Their work aims to identify new treatment targets for drug addiction, potentially leading to better medications.
drug addictiontranscription factorssynthetic biologynucleus accumbensopioidsstimulants
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate how different drugs modify brain cell transcription using synthetic transcription factors.
AIM 02Examine the role of reprogrammed transcription factors in addiction-related behaviors.
AIM 03Identify key transcription factors that contribute to the differences between stimulant and opioid addiction.
Skills the Lab Values
ATAC-seqRNA sequencingviral delivery techniquesbehavioral assaysanimal modeling