Courtney Bouchet is the Molecular Pharmacology Highlighted Trainee Author for the September 2021 issue.  She is currently a predoctoral trainee in the neuroscience graduate program at Oregon Health & Science University.  Her mentor is Dr. Susan Ingram.  The Molecular Pharmacology article that earned her selection as a Highlighted Trainee Author is titled “RGS-Insensitive Mice Define Roles of Mu Opioid Receptor (MOR)-Gαo and Gαi Subunit Coupling in Inhibition of Presynaptic GABA Release” and is available at:  https://doi.org/10.1124/molpharm.121.000249.

In her dissertation work, Ms. Bouchet is using electrophysiology to study regulation of the presynaptic mu opioid receptors and cannabinoid 1 receptors. Previous work from the Ingram lab and others has shown that presynaptic receptors are regulated differentially from postsynaptic receptors.  Ms. Bouchet’s work is focused on understanding how inflammation affects the activity and regulation of presynaptic G protein-coupled receptors.

The anticipated impact of Ms. Bouchet’s research is a better understanding of the opioid and cannabinoid systems for pain treatment. Both opioids and cannabinoids/cannabis are commonly used to treat pain. Still, we don’t fully understand how the endogenous systems within the brain are regulated and how inflammation impacts these systems. Ultimately, this research will help develop novel therapeutics that are more effective at targeting endogenous adaptive systems within the brain.

When not in the lab, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog and soaking up the sun (and rain) in Portland. Her favorite activities include running the trails around Portland, rock climbing, and riding her bike.