Research Focus:
The laboratory designs, produces and tests recombinant viruses to alter gene expression in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Viruses are designed either to over-express an exogenous transgene or to knockdown endogenous gene expression. Two lines of research are in progress. First, we are targeting sensory neurons that transmit information about noxious stimuli with the goal of using these vectors as therapy for chronic pain. Recombinant human herpes simplex (type 1) viruses are used to produce long-lasting alterations in gene expression in these neurons. Second, in collaboration with other laboratories we are examining the roles of specific brain neurotransmitter systems in behavior, primarily using lentivirus vectors. In these studies, the primary intent is to elucidate brain function, leading to development of new treatments for behavioral and neurological disorders. Future goals include development of vectors for cell-specific expression of transgenes.
Recent Publications
- Yeomans, D.C., Lu, Y., Laurito, C.R., Peters, M.C., Vota-Vellis, G., Wilson, S.P. and Pappas, G.D. (2006) Recombinant herpes vector-mediated analgesia in a primate model of hyperalgesia. Molecular Therapy 13, 589-597.
- Primeaux, S.D., Wilson, S.P., York, D.A., Bray, G.A. and Wilson, M.A. (2006) Overexpression of neuropeptide Y in the central nucleus of the amygdala decreases ethanol self-administration in "anxious" rats. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 30, 791-801.
- Primeaux, S.D., Wilson, S.P., McDonald, A.J., Mascagni, F. and Wilson, M.A. (2006) The role of delta opioid receptors in the anxiolytic actions of benzodiazepines. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior 85, 545-554.
- Sluka, K.A., Radhakrishnan, R., Benson, C.J., Eshcol, J.O., Price, M.P., Babinski, K., Audette, K.M., Yeomans, D.C. and Wilson, S.P. (2007) ASIC3 in muscle mediates mechanical, but not heat, hyperalgesia associated with muscle inflammation. Pain, 129, 102-112.
- Tzabazis, A.Z., Pirc, G., Wilson, S.P., Laurito, C.E., Votta-Velis, E. and Yeomans, D.C. (2007) Antihyperalgesic effect of a recombinant herpes virus encoding antisense for calcitonin gene related peptide. Anesthesiology 106, 1196-1203. Selected as one of the 12 top articles published in Anesthesiology for 2007.
- Lu, Y., McNearney, T.A., Lin, W., Wilson, S.P., Yeomans, D.C. and Westlund, K.N. (2007) Treatment of pancreas with enkephalin encoding HSV-1 recombinant vector reduces inflammatory damage and behavioral sequelae in a rat pancreatitis model. Molecular Therapy 15, 1812–1819.
- Grillo, C.A., Tamashiro, K.L., Piroli, G.G., Melhorn, S., Gass, J.T., Newsom, R.J., Reznikov, L.R., Smith, A., Wilson, S.P., Sakai, R.R. and Reagan, L.P. (2007) Downregulation of hypothalamic insulin receptor expression and signaling by lentivirus-mediated gene transfer modulates peripheral body composition. Physiology and Behavior 92, 691-701.
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