Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are a central component in signaling networks in a
multitude of mammalian cell types. This review covers recent advances on specific functions …

Rationale Accumulating evidence indicates that brain kappa-opioid receptors (KORs) and
dynorphin, the endogenous ligand that binds at these receptors, are involved in regulating …

Social isolation during opioid withdrawal is a major contributor to the current opioid
addiction crisis. We find that sociability deficits during protracted opioid withdrawal in mice …

Comorbidity is a major issue in psychiatry that notably associates with more severe
symptoms, longer illness duration, and higher service utilization. Therefore, identifying key …

The endogenous dynorphin-κ opioid receptor (KOR) system encodes the dysphoric
component of the stress response and controls the risk of depression-like and addiction …

Kappa opioid receptors (KORs) are involved in a variety of aversive behavioral states,
including anxiety. To date, a circuit-based mechanism for KOR-driven anxiety has not been …

G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K+ (GIRK/Kir3) channels exert a critical inhibitory
influence on neurons. Neuronal GIRK channels mediate the G protein-dependent …

Since the serendipitous discovery of the first class of modern antidepressants in the 1950's,
all pharmacotherapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration for major depressive …

Negative affective states are prevalent symptoms in a plethora of neuropsychiatric disorders,
including depression and drug addiction. Dysfunction of mesocorticolimbic dopamine …

Research studies have defined the important role of endogenous opioids in modulating
stress-associated behavior. The release of β-endorphins in the amygdala in response to …