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About the author
Rosana Camarini is an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator at the Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil, specializing in neuropsychopharmacology with a focus on the neurobiological basis of drug addiction and dependence. With a Ph.D. from Universidade Federal de São Paulo and postdoctoral training at Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, UCSF, her academic journey has been marked by a commitment to understanding the interplay between early drug exposure, environmental stimuli, and addictive behaviors, with focus on drug addiction. Additionally, she has served as a Visiting Professor at Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA, Arizona State University, Tempe, USA, and Sorbonne Université, Paris, France, enriching her academic experience and fostering international collaborations. Throughout her career, Camarini has explored the behavioral and neurochemical/molecular effects of alcohol and cocaine exposure during early drug exposure, particularly during prenatal and adolescent stages. Moreover, she has investigated the impact of environmental enrichment/exercise on addiction, highlighting its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention. Camarini served as President of the International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism (ISBRA), from 2020-2022, where she spearheaded initiatives promoting diversity and early career development. Additionally, her role in revitalizing the Latin American Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism (LASBRA) underscores her dedication to regional scientific advancement. Camarini has chaired and given lectures at numerous international symposia, contributing to the global discussion on addiction research. In addition to her academic pursuits, Camarini holds key administrative roles, including Head of the Pharmacology Department and Coordinator of the Neuroscience Research Support Center at Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil (USP). Her commitment to scientific rigor is evident through her involvement in “Experimental Planning and Reproducibility Strategies Core” of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences at USP. With over 100 publications indexed in PubMed, she has a plethora of ongoing research projects funded by prestigious Brazilian agencies like FAPESP (The State of Sao Paulo Research Agency) and CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development). Camarini's contributions also extend to serving as an editor and editorial board member for addiction journals. Through her mentorship of graduate students and postdocs, she nurtures the next generation of scientists, ensuring a legacy of excellence in neuropsychopharmacology research.
Fábio Cardoso Cruz, an esteemed figure in the field of neuropsychopharmacology, has dedicated his academic and professional pursuits to unravelling the intricate neurobiology of drug use disorders. With a primary focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms driving drug-seeking relapse, particularly influenced by contextual cues, Cruz has delved into the multifaceted effects of stress on susceptibility to addiction. His research extends to investigating sex differences in responses to drugs and stress, as well as understanding the long-term consequences of early drug exposure on brain function, escalating the risk of addiction. Utilizing an innovative combination of optogenetic and chemogenetic tools alongside transgenic rodent models, Cruz and his team have made significant strides in shedding light on the biological underpinnings of addiction behaviors.
Moreover, Cruz has expanded his research into proteomics, delving into metabolomics and transcriptomics of single cells. His utilization of sophisticated techniques such as immunohistochemistry, fluorescence, FACS, and western blotting has been pivotal in advancing the understanding of addiction.
In the realm of animal models, Cruz has employed operant self-administration, the ABA renewal, and conditioning place preference paradigms to gain insights into addiction behaviors. This comprehensive methodological approach underscores his commitment to cutting-edge research and addressing the complexities of drug use disorders.
Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a profound dedication to contributing meaningful insights, Fábio Cardoso Cruz aims not only to advance the scientific community's understanding of addiction but also to pave the way for the development of more effective interventions. Through his research and mentorship, he aspires to inspire the next generation of scientists to explore the uncharted frontiers of neuropsychopharmacology.
