1. Identifying the function of the growth factors BDNF, GDNF, and IGF1 in the CNS and in alcohol abuse disorders.
  2. Determining the role of the mTor in aberrant synaptic plasticity induced by drugs of abuse.
  3. Identifying the role of tyrosine kinases and phosphatases in alcohol abuse disorders.
  4. Determining the role of the NMDA receptor in alcohol-mediated plasticity in the dorsal striatum.
  5. Exploring the role of scaffolding proteins in the CNS and in alcohol abuse disorders.
  6. Epigenetic mechanisms and addiction.
  7. Identifying the role of HSP90 in alcohol abuse disorders.