Project Abstract

Although my topic of study may seem obscure (the α6β2β3 nAChR subtype), it is actually critical in rewarding nicotine addiction. When the genes for this specific receptor subtype are inactivated, mice have been shown to stop self-administering nicotine because they consequently lack the receptors necessary to release dopamine (the “feel-good” neurotransmitter behind many addictions) upon nicotine administration. Similarly disabling these receptors in humans could have a remarkable impact on smoking cessation. Unfortunately, we are not yet certain because, as of yet, these receptors are extremely difficult to recreate in frog oocytes (egg cells), which are typically used to study receptor function due to their manipulability. Dr. Chang hypothesizes that in order to successfully express the genes for these receptors in frog oocytes, they must be inserted alongside genes coding for opioid receptors. We can test this through simple DNA injection or more complex techniques such as electroporation (literally “shocking” the cells into taking in the DNA).  If this hypothesis proves successful, further research can determine the function of these apparently critical receptors and how to utilize them to combat nicotine addiction. 

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