RESEARCH

The immense complexity and computational power of the brain emerges from its vast connectivity and combination of cell types. We use modern neuroscience tools to untangle very specific components of neural circuits and study their molecular characteristics, connectivity and function in order to ultimately determine the contribution of these circuits to behavior.

The neuromodulator serotonin plays an outsized role in many brain functions. Neurons synthesizing serotonin are located in a network of small structures deep within the brain called the raphe nuclei. Remarkably, neurons in this small nucleus play a role in many important  brain functions, from basic homeostatic regulation to involvement in complex mood and psychiatric disorders.

Rather than targeting all serotonin neurons as a single population, we aim to define these neural subpopulations based on differing gene expression, location within the raphe nuclei, and connectivity with other brain regions. Ultimately, we aim to understand how these different serotonin neurons influence separate behaviors that play a role in psychiatric disorders.

To address these problems the lab is using a multidisciplinary approach combining neuroanatomical circuit tracing with viral-genetic tools, whole-brain connectivity imaging,  recording of neural activity with in vivo calcium imaging and biosensors, optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulation, behavioral assays and computation.