Laboratory of Guoku Hu, PhD
Laboratory Goals
To explore the effects of noncoding RNAs, including lncRNA and miRNA, and their dysregulation during neuropathogenesis associated with drugs, such as morphine and cocaine. I also am interested in establishing extracellular vesicle (EV)-based methodology of RNA drug delivery for the treatment of central nervous system complications associated with drug abuse. My ultimate goal is to elucidate the functional aspects of EVs and ncRNAs in drug addiction and also to identify novel therapeutic strategies that could enhance neuronal function and survival in patients afflicted with these disorders.
Techniques used in the laboratory
- Molecular biology
- Neurobiology
- Rodent models
- Bioinformatics
Collaborators
Professor, Department of Neurological Sciences
Senior Associate Dean of Research and Development, College of Medicine
Director, Center for Integrative and Translational Neuroscience
Margaret R. Larson Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases
Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience
Professor & Vice Chair for Administration, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Professor, Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy
Assistant Professor
Associate Professor, Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine
Associate Professor and Interim Bioimaging Core Lab Director, Radiology Research Division
Funding
Multiple PI: Hu/Chivero/Gurumurthy
Source: NIH R21DA046831
The goal of this proposal is to design and develop miRNA-depleted-extracellular vesicles (EV) loaded with specific miRNAs for in vivo delivery as a means to ameliorate HIV protein (Tat) & cocaine-induced microglial activation in the brain.
Role: MPI
Multiple PI: Hu/Guo
Source: NIH R21DA042704
The goal of this proposal is to design and develop an extracellular vesicle (EV)-based strategy of in vivo anti-microRNA (miR) delivery as a means to ameliorate morphine & HIV protein (Tat)-induced microglial activation & migration in the brain.
Role: MPI
Multiple PI: Buch/Hu
Source: NIH R01MH112848
The overarching goal of this application is to explore the mechanisms by which HIV Tat mediates synaptodendritic injury & microglial activation via intercellular cross talk involving extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their fingerprint cargo of miRNAs.
Role: MPI
Multiple PI: Buch/Hu/Guo
Source: NIH R01DA043138
The goal of the proposed research is to investigate the role of HIV Tat and cocaine in mediating alterations in microglial migration & activation via epigenetic regulation of miRNAs.
Role: Co-PI