Expertise

Dr. Hao’s laboratory focuses on the neurochemical mechanisms of chronic pain and opioid abuse supported by NIH.

We are actively pursuing neuropharmacological and viral vector gene therapy approaches for controlling such pathological pain processes and opioid tolerance and opioid withdrawal.

Research Interests

  • Chronic pain – Neurochemical mechanisms on HIV-related neuropathic pain
  • Opiate abuse – Neurogenic mechanisms on opioid abuse.
  • Glia, neurons, and mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Viral vectors expressing targeted proteins to treat neuropathic pain and opiate abuse (gene therapy).

We investigate the neurochemical mechanisms of peripheral nervous system injury and neuropathic pain associated with HIV/AIDS. We also study opioid drug abuse and its interaction with HIV infection and HIV/AIDS neuropathy. We use viral vector-mediated gene therapy for the treatment of chronic pain and drug abuse.

Links

Organizational Affiliations

UMMG Department of Anesthesiology, Miller School of Medicine, Medical Campus, University of Miami

Miller School of Medicine, Medical Campus, University of Miami

Education

PhD
MD