Graduate Student Interview: Alyson Blount (Sutton Lab)

Julia Sunnarborg

Dr. Feeser

BIOL 141H

14 October 2021

Alyson Blount, a second-year PhD student in the Sutton Lab at UMBC, is researching a receptor in the brain that could lead to the development of new, less addictive opioids. Her project focuses on the kappa opioid receptor (KOR). It is an alternative receptor to the mu opioid receptor, which responds to opioids that are currently prescribed to treat pain. Blount’s research investigates the two pathways activated when an opioid binds to the KOR: a G-protein pathway and a β-arrestin pathway.

Blount came to UMBC after learning about the school through a family friend and joined the Sutton Lab after enjoying her rotation there. She became interested in research and neuroscience after working as a research assistant at Randolph Macon College, where she received her B.A. in Biological Science and Behavioral Neuroscience. There, she worked in a lab which focused on behavior, testing the ability of mice to detect a particular scent in decreasing concentrations. At UMBC, she has decided to focus on studying biology at the molecular level.

The G-protein and β-arrestin pathways connected to the KOR appear to be associated with different physiological effects. The G-protein pathway is associated with analgesic and anti-itch effects of the opioid binding, while the β-arrestin pathway is associated with aversive and psychotic effects. These two pathways were originally believed to be independent of each other; however, new research has suggested that they may not be. Blount is investigating the relationship between the two pathways.

If Blount’s project concludes that the two pathways are independent, it would help drug manufacturers formulate new opioids that only target the G-protein pathway of the KOR. In this case, restricting the KOR response to only the G-protein pathway would restrict the response to the positive effects of the opioid. Blount notes that the KOR has been shown to lack the addictive properties associated with the mu opioid receptor and the opioids that bind there. The opioids that could potentially be developed would be much more beneficial to patients than those currently available for prescription.

After graduation, Blount plans to either continue research and go into the academic field or work in the scientific industry. Her advice for prospective PhD students: “You don’t have to be a genius to enter the science field.” Blount encourages looking for opportunities for research experience for anyone who finds themselves interested in the field and urges them to apply to graduate programs.

Questions?

BIOL 141H student: Julia Sunnarborg (vr01696@umbc.edu)

Graduate Student: Alyson Blount (ablount1@umbc.edu)