Yannick Fotio

Assistant Professor - Biological Sciences

2336 Inwood Road, TI-BMES building, Dallas, TX 75235
ORCID

Currently accepting undergraduate and graduate students

About Yannick Fotio

Professional Preparation

Postdoctoral Scholar - Anatomy and Neurobiology
University of California, Irvine (USA) - 2025

PhD - Pharmacology and Neuroscience
University of Camerino (Italy) - 2019

PharmD - Pharmacy
University of Camerino (Italy) - 2015

BS - Biomedical Sciences
University of Dschang (Cameroon) - 2012

Research Areas

Pain and Addiction-Induced Neuroplasticity (P.A.I.N.) Lab.

Our research aims to unravel the neurobiological mechanisms underlying drug addiction and chronic pain, with a particular focus on the motivational circuitry of the nervous system. Using a reverse translational approach, we investigate the molecular and cellular adaptations triggered by exposure to addictive substances and sensory disturbances associated with tissue injury. We are particularly interested in the persistent remodeling of energy metabolism and intracellular lipid signaling pathways—key processes that shape long-term neural plasticity and behavioral outcomes. By bridging basic neuroscience with clinical relevance, our goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets and inform the development of more effective, mechanism-based treatments for addiction and chronic pain.

Publications

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

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Alleviates Hyperalgesia in a Humanized Mouse Model of Sickle Cell Disease 2024 - Journal Article

NAAA-regulated lipid signaling in monocytes controls the induction of hyperalgesic priming in mice 2024 - Journal Article

Diet-Induced Obesity Disrupts Histamine-Dependent Oleoylethanolamide Signaling in the Mouse Liver 2022 - 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

Palmitoylethanolamide and hemp oil extract exert synergistic anti-nociceptive effects in mouse models of acute and chronic pain. 2021 - Journal Article

Persistent exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol during adolescence does not affect nociceptive responding in adult mice 2021 - Journal Article

Awards

ACNP Travel award - American College of Neuropsychopharmacology [2024]

Early Career Investigator Award - NIAAA [2022]

Affiliations

Assistant Professor

2025/06
Department of Biological Sciences
The University of Texas at Dallas

Adjunct Assistant Professor

2025/09
Department of Neuroscience
UT Southwestern Medical Center

Funding

K99/R00 Award

- NCCIH/NINDS [2023/09–2028/08]

A role for peripheral NAAA-regulated lipid signaling in the control of hyperalgesic priming

Proof of Product grant

- UCI Beall Applied Innovation [2023/03–2023/11]

A medical food that prevents the emergence of chronic pain after surgery

Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research

- University of California San Diego [2022/10–2024/09]

Antinociceptive effects of phytocannabinoids in a mouse model of sickle cell disease