SUMMARY
The research interests of Doo-Sup Choi, Ph.D., focus on neurobehavioral and addictive disorders, which cause a substantial socio-economic burden to society. Dr. Choi's laboratory utilizes a combination of genetics, pharmacology, proteomics, metabolomics, brain imaging and behaviors to identify clinically useful therapeutic targets of a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders.
Focus areas
- Discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Dr. Choi's laboratory focuses on identifying novel therapeutic targets utilizing cutting-edge techniques in the areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, neuroimaging and pharmacology.
- Neurobiology of addiction. Dr. Choi and his colleagues are particularly interested in the neurobiological mechanisms of several addictive behaviors, such as sensitivity (level of response) to alcohol intoxication, reward, aversion, withdrawal symptoms, and alcohol drinking or self-administration.
- Addiction and mental health. An additional area of focus is investigation of co-occurring or comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders.
Significance to patient care
Neurobehavioral and addictive disorders impose major public health and social problems with substantial worldwide economic loss. Dr. Choi's ultimate goal is to translate his team's research into clinical practice. Dr. Choi and his colleagues focus on the development of genomic and metabolomic biomarkers for drug response to optimize pharmacotherapy through individualized treatment methods.
In addition, Dr. Choi has served as the director of the Samuel C. Johnson Genomics of Addiction Program at Mayo Clinic. This multidisciplinary program consists of a team of basic and clinical investigators. Through this collaboration, the team is well-equipped to translate findings into clinical practice.
Professional highlights
- Regular member, Clinical, Treatment and Health Services Research Review Subcommittee (AA-3), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 2016-2020
- Full member, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, 2017
- Recipient, David Lehr Research Award, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutic, 2015