We study how sparse patterns of neurons encode drug-seeking and stress memories—and how disrupting them could lead to new treatments for addiction and PTSD.
Our lab unravels the neurobiology of learned psychiatric disorders like drug addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder. Both involve aberrant learning that produces unusually strong and persistent memories.
By understanding how these memories form and promote disease states, we can find effective treatments. We use cutting-edge ensemble-specific manipulation techniques to probe neural circuits at single-neuron resolution.
Sparse, distributed patterns of neurons selectively activated by specific cues and encoding distinct memories.
A chemogenetic tool in Fos-LacZ rats to selectively ablate neurons activated during specific behaviors.
Understanding extinction ensembles could leverage natural learning to reduce drug-seeking in human addicts.
What role do neuronal ensembles play in self-administration versus extinction? We study how vmPFC, NAc, and BLA ensembles encode these opposing memories.
Do distinct neuronal ensembles encode natural versus drug memories? Are the vmPFC ensembles for food and cocaine truly separate populations?
How are neuronal ensembles selected and recruited upon first drug exposure? We explore how synchronous activation selects and maintains ensembles.
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
Read more →