Postdoctoral Scholar - Anatomy and Neurobiology
University of California, Irvine (USA) - 2025
Yannick Fotio
Assistant Professor - Biological Sciences
Professional Preparation
PhD - Pharmacology and Neuroscience
University of Camerino (Italy) - 2019
University of Camerino (Italy) - 2019
PharmD - Pharmacy
University of Camerino (Italy) - 2015
University of Camerino (Italy) - 2015
BS - Biomedical Sciences
University of Dschang (Cameroon) - 2012
University of Dschang (Cameroon) - 2012
Research Areas
Pain and Addiction-Induced Neuroplasticity (P.A.I.N.) Lab.
Our laboratory focuses on how exposure to addictive substances or tissue injury triggers long-lasting adaptations within the nervous system, particularly in circuits that regulate motivation and sensory processing. The lab uses a reverse translational approach (coupled with RNA sequencing, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, molecular biology, pharmacology, and animal studies) to investigate the molecular and cellular changes that emerge during these conditions, with special attention on how remodeling of core energy metabolism and intracellular lipid signaling pathways reshape neuronal and glial function to produce durable forms of maladaptive neural plasticity. By uncovering these mechanisms, our laboratory aims to identify new therapeutic targets and guide the development of disease-modifying therapies for chronic pain and addiction.Publications
Metabolic reallocation in spinal cord oligodendrocytes drives chronic pain via neuronal β-amyloid production 2026 - Other
Neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activity of palmitoylethanolamide in sickle cell mice 2025 - Journal Article
Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition alleviates anxiety-like symptoms in a rat model used to study post-traumatic stress disorder 2025 - Journal Article
NAAA-regulated lipid signaling in monocytes controls the induction of hyperalgesic priming in mice 2024 - Journal Article
Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Alleviates Hyperalgesia in a Humanized Mouse Model of Sickle Cell Disease 2024 - Journal Article
Diet-Induced Obesity Disrupts Histamine-Dependent Oleoylethanolamide Signaling in the Mouse Liver 2022 - Journal Article
NAAA-regulated lipid signaling governs the transition from acute to chronic pain 2021 - Journal Article
Andrographis paniculata and Its Main Bioactive Ingredient Andrographolide Decrease Alcohol Drinking and Seeking in Rats Through Activation of Nuclear PPARγ Pathway. 2021 - Journal Article
Awards
ACNP Travel award - American College of Neuropsychopharmacology [2024]
Early Career Investigator Award - NIAAA [2022]
News Articles
Affiliations
Assistant Professor
2025/06Department of Biological Sciences
The University of Texas at Dallas
Adjunct Assistant Professor
2025/09Department of Neuroscience
UT Southwestern Medical Center