Published Research
Resources & Publications
Our work builds on peer-reviewed studies from the Heller Lab at the University of Pennsylvania, advancing the neuroscience of addiction, neural homeostasis, and the therapeutic potential of Nr4a1. Below are foundational publications that inform the scientific direction of Rafias.
Nature Communications (2020)
Nr4a1 suppresses cocaine-induced behavior via epigenetic regulation of homeostatic target genes
This study demonstrates that activating Nr4a1 reduces cocaine-seeking behavior and restores adaptive gene expression programs, establishing Nr4a1 as a promising target for relapse-prevention therapeutics.
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Nature Communications (2022)
Cell-type-specific profiling of histone modifications in addiction
This work maps histone modification patterns across neuronal subtypes, revealing epigenetic mechanisms that contribute to addiction vulnerability and recovery.
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