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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.
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.
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.
Sex-specific Nr4a1 regulatory dynamics in addiction-related neural circuits
This study uncovers sex-specific patterns of Nr4a1 regulation across key brain regions, highlighting biological differences that shape vulnerability and adaptation in addictive behaviors.
Epigenetic editing of Cartpt promotes acquisition and extinction of cocaine memory
This study uncovers how CRISPR-based epigenetic editing of the Cartpt gene in the nucleus accumbens alters cocaine preference and extinction, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeted chromatin remodeling in addiction recovery.
