The Carrasco Lab

Lab Members

• Jade Franklin, Graduate Student
• Karen Wendt, Research Assistant

Lab research interests are focused on identifying fundamental mechanisms regulating serotonin 2A (5-HT_2A) receptor signaling in the brain and its implications in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. We have identified cocaine- and fluoxetine (Prozac™)-induced changes in G proteins and RGS proteins related to 5-HT_2A receptors. For example, we have previously reported unique neuroadaptive changes in brain 5-HT_2A receptor signaling pathways during early withdrawal from cocaine. These withdrawal-induced changes include: (1) increases in the activity of 5-HT_2A receptors in the brain, suggesting supersensitivity of postsynaptic 5-HT_2A receptors, and (2) increases in 5-HT_2A receptor-associated Gα_q and Gα₁₁ proteins in the brain, suggesting a specific role of these G proteins in the withdrawal-induced enhanced activity of 5-HT_2A receptors. Our studies will further the understanding of the function of 5-HT_2A receptors with respect to the therapeutic effects of antidepressant drugs and the adverse effects of drugs of abuse, in order to refine therapy for these psychiatric disorders.