Molecular Genetics Laboratory

David Vandenbergh, Ph.D.
Lab Director
djv4@psu.edu

The research goal of the Molecular Genetics Laboratory (Vandenbergh Lab) is to understand the molecular basis of addiction.

We are using a combination of human genetic studies and mouse models that focus on nicotine and its effects on the brain.

More specifically, we are studying:

• The molecular-level responses of the brain to drugs of abuse, especially nicotine;
• The neurobiological factors that underlie individual differences in nicotine consumption;
• The molecular genetic determinants of nicotine’s appetitive effects

More details can be found on this site (links in the right-hand column) and at www.personal.psu.edu/djv4/.