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Project 1: Examine how the interactions of cholinergic signaling and astrocytes mediate motivated behaviors
Cholinergic neurons are heterogenous, project to the entire brain and are functionally diverse. We are particularly interested in ventral pallidal (VP) cholinergic neurons and its role in motivated behaviors.
Astrocytes express cholinergic receptors and respond to acetylcholine release. Importantly, changes in astrocytes are associated with altered motivation.
How does VP cholinergic signaling interact with astrocytes to mediate motivated behaviors?
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Measure behavioral responses to either appetitive or aversive stimuli
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Monitor and manipulate the activity of neurons and/or astrocytes during behavior
Ex: BLA neuronal responses to an aversive stimulus, without and without optogenetic stimulation of VP cholinergic terminals
Project 2: Examine the role of neuron-astrocyte interactions
in neurodegeneration
Breakdown in communication between neurons and astrocytes induces maladaptations in neural circuits, leading to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.
Does neurodegeneration first occur in astrocytes or neurons?
Do maladaptations in neurons affect astrocytes? Or vice versa?
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