Neural Mechanisms of Affective Bias
We developed a behavioral test for optimism and pessimism in mice and are using it to understand the molecular, synaptic, and circuit signaling mechanisms of affective bias.
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A Synaptic Mechanism for Creating and Diversifying Reinforcement Signals
We discovered glutamate/GABA co-release in the habenula and found that it is a potential mechanism for creating and diversifying reinforcement signals in the brain.
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A Depression-Circuit Enriched GPCR for Targeted Pharmacotherapy
We identified GPR151, an orphan G protein-coupled receptor that is exceptionally enriched in the habenula, as a candidate therapeutic target for inflammation-associated depression.
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The Functional Organization of The Lateral Habenula and its Relationship to MDD (Depression)
We are mapping the functional heterogeneity of habenula neurons to their molecular identities and cell-type-specific projection targets to understand the phenotypes of habenula neurons that are altered in depression.
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