On this page you will find a collection of active addiction-related projects ongoing across Rutgers. Learn about on-going research projects and datasets available for analysis. Contact information for each project listed below is provided.

If you are interested in hosting your project on this page, please email rarc@bhi.rutgers.edu with your project details.

  • Role of microglial exosomes in ethanol-induced stress hyper-response

    Approximately 2-5% of children born in the US have fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). FASD patients are often vulnerable to psychiatric disorders including hyper-response to stress and anxiety and depressive behaviors. Preclinical and clinical studies identify microglia, one of the immune cells in the central nervous system, playing a major role in the alcohol-induced damage of stress regulatory neurons. Recent studies show that inflammatory molecules can be released in association with small extracellular vesicles like exosomes from microglia. Exosomes comprised of a lipid bilayer, transmembrane proteins and cytosolic components derived from their host cells. By employing proteomic and genomic measurements we are identifying the cargo molecules that are released from microglia following prenatal ethanol exposures. We are also evaluating the role of these molecules in apoptosis of in situ differentiated or in vivo neuronal cells, and in induction of stress axis abnormalities and anxiety-like behaviors. Due to the critical role of exosomes in intercellular communications with respect to cargo delivery to recipient cells, exosomes or synthetic exosome-mimics have been investigated as vectors for drug delivery. Hence, our investigations may help to develop novel therapeutic approaches employing exosomes to prevent stress and other psychiatric disorders in FASD patients. Postdoctoral fellowship is available.

    To enquire about the fellowship opportunity, please contact Dr. Dipak Sarkar, Dipak.Sarkar@rutgers.edu.

  • The role of glucose sensitivity of lateral hypothalamus orexin glucose-inhibited neurons in maintaining weight loss after dieting

    We are currently evaluating how changes in the glucose sensitivity of lateral hypothalamus orexin glucose-inhibited neurons as a result of weight loss leads to increased glutamate signaling in dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area. We hypothesize that these changes contribute to the difficulty maintaining weight loss after dieting.

    For more information about this project, contact Dr. Vanessa Routh, routhvh@njms.rutgers.edu.

  • Spit for Science

    Spit for Science: The VCU Student Survey (S4S) is a university-wide research registry with the goal of understanding pathways of risk (both genetic and environmental) for substance use and related mental health outcomes across the college years. From 2011-2015, all incoming freshmen age 18 or older were invited to participate in an on-line survey at the beginning of the fall semester of their first year, provide a saliva DNA sample, and complete follow-up surveys each spring semester thereafter. A new cohort of freshman began data collection in Fall 2021. Six cohorts of incoming freshman have been enrolled through the S4S pipeline thus far (N>12,000). Sample demographics do not differ significantly from the overall university study population: 17% identify as Asian; 17% identify as African American, 6% identify as Hispanic, 51% identify as Caucasian, 6% identify as more than 1 race, and 3% report other/unknown; 60% are female and 40% male.  All data are entered in a registry managed by the VCU Office of Research. All data are available broadly to all investigators with relevant research interests related to substance use and related behavioral health outcomes.

    To inquire about working with Spit for Science data, contact Dr. Danielle Dick (Danielle.m.dick@rutgers.edu).

  • Unintentional Substance Overdose Risk among Homeless and Housing Unstable Heroin Users in Washington Heights

    “Unintentional Substance Overdose Risk among Homeless and Housing Unstable Heroin Users in Washington Heights” is a community engaged mixed-methods study funded by the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. This study examined overdose risk among people who use heroin in an under resourced community of color of NYC and documents the life experiences of participants seeking harm reduction services in this community.

    To inquire about the study, email Dr. Rafael E. Pérez-Figueroa, rp1196@sph.rutgers.edu.