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The KAUN Lab:
Behavioral Neurogenetics of Addiction

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ABOUT US

The Kaun Lab uses a curiosity driven approach that combines diverse scientific expertise and life experiences to understand the circuit and molecular mechanisms underlying memory for natural and drug reward. We aspire to understand the fundamental principles underlying memory formation and expression, and how addictive substances alter cell signaling mechanisms to change the molecular composition of memory circuits to drive alcohol and drug seeking behavior.

Research in the Kaun Lab

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Research in the Kaun Lab

What questions do we study and how do we feel we can contribute to what is understood about memory and addiction?

Faculty Spotlight on Karla Kaun, PhD

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Faculty Spotlight on Karla Kaun, PhD

Dr. Karla Kaun, Assistant Professor of Neuroscience, describes her research at Brown University, where she is investigating the roots of addiction.

What do we study in the Kaun Lab?

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What do we study in the Kaun Lab?

What is the purpose of our work?

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What is the purpose of our work?

What outstanding questions in neuroscience are we addressing?

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What outstanding questions in neuroscience are we addressing?

What is the translational potential of our research?

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What is the translational potential of our research?

Why do research at Brown?

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Why do research at Brown?

KaunLabStudents

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KaunLabStudents

Take a
virtual Tour

Learn about our lab space and hear about projects from past and present lab members

Lab ETHOS

Learn about the Lab Vision and Ethos

FUNDING

Learn about the grants that fund the lab's research

CONTACT US

Contact us to learn more about the lab and our research

Life and Science in the Lab

A compact genome, tiny brain, and impressive toolbox of sophisticated neurogenetic tools make the fly an excellent model to understand the neural substrate of behavior. We use the powerful molecular and genetic tools available in the fly to investigate the neural substrates of drug reward at the molecular and cellular level.

Improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms of addiction can change how researchers and clinicians approach treatments.

Drosophila show remarkably long-lasting memories for a cue associated with an intoxicating dose of alcohol. We investigate the neural circuitry and associated molecular mechanisms within the fly brain that regulate this memory.

Our approach combines behavioural neuroscience, neuropharmacology, functional imaging, genetics, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics and computer science in order to understand the mechanisms regulating memories for a drug experience.

Learn more about Dr. Kaun in a People Behind the Science Podcast

Check out some of the lab's featured and recent publications

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