RESEARCH INTERESTS
The goal of my research is to better understand the astrocytic contributions to molecular underpinnings of drug addiction. Since the beginning of my doctoral studies, I have gravitated to a non-neuronal cell type, astrocytes. Historically viewed as merely supportive cells, increasing attention and research on astrocytes from the last 30 years highlights their active participation in brain function and contribution to complex behavior. Despite this, we still know relatively little regarding their transcriptome and its regulation, particularly within the addiction field. My research utilizes rodent models of addiction to better understand the regulation of astrocyte gene expression, at both the transcriptional and epigenetic level, and to determine its contributions to addiction phenotypes.
EDUCATION
- BS, Biology and Psychology, Mercer University, Macon GA
- PhD, Neuroscience, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
AWARDS AND HONORS
- Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
- NIDA Training Program in Substance Use Disorders Award (T32)
- Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01)
MEMBERSHIPS
- Society for Neuroscience
PUBLICATIONS
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/leanne.holt.1/bibliography/public/