Our research seeks to understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction and relapse vulnerability, with a particular interest in extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated communication in the brain. Despite decades of research, the molecular processes driving persistent neuroadaptations during abstinence remain poorly understood. We investigate how EVs released by neurons and glial cells contribute to synaptic plasticity, circuit remodeling, and behavioral adaptations associated with substance use disorders. By combining animal models and molecular approaches, we aim to identify mechanisms that promote addiction vulnerability and develop biomarkers of abstinence-related brain adaptations.

Research Focus

Brain-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Addiction

Extracellular vesicles are nanosized particles released by brain cells that transfer proteins, lipids, and regulatory RNAs between cells. These vesicles have emerged as important mediators of intercellular communication and may contribute to long-lasting neuroadaptations induced by drugs of abuse.

A major focus of our research is understanding how addictive substances alter EV cargo and how these changes influence neural circuits involved in reward, motivation, and relapse vulnerability. We investigate whether brain-derived EVs actively contribute to addiction-related neuroplasticity and whether circulating neural-enriched EVs can serve as minimally invasive biomarkers of brain dysfunction in substance use disorders.

Neuroplasticity and Relapse Vulnerability

Relapse remains one of the greatest challenges in addiction treatment. Our work tries to identify molecular mechanisms that emerge during abstinence and drive craving, negative affect, and vulnerability to relapse. Using rodent models of psychostimulants and opioid exposure, we study how molecular pathways involved in synaptic plasticity, epigenetic regulation, and stress responses contribute to persistent behavioural adaptations. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying mechanisms that can be translated to human populations.

Current projects focus on extracellular vesicles as mediators and biomarkers of addiction-related neuroadaptations and relapse vulnerability.