Research

Our concerns

..and our interests

Sensory information, behavioral action, even learning and memory are produced by connected neurons in distributed neural circuits that transduce external stimuli into internal states, form memories and allow us to take motivated behaviors. Understanding these neural circuits and how do they encode information is fundamental to under­standing brain function and the causes of neural system disease. Amygdala is a central structure for emotion and motivation. Unfortunately, our knowledge of the function of genetically identified neurons, wiring diagrams and neurotransmitters in different amygdala subregions remains primitive.

Our aims

..and what we do

Amygdala is a central structure for emotion and motivation. Unfortunately, our knowledge of the function of genetically identified neurons, wiring diagrams and neurotransmitters in different amygdala subregions remains primitive. We aim to answer: how do genetically determined neurons in the amygdala encode pain sensation and give rise to affective memories; how does the brain transmit nociceptive information and instruct aversive learning; how dysregulation in neurotransmitter and receptor contribute to mental disorders such as anxiety disorder; Additionally, we aim to investigate the role of the amygdala in social behavior and social cognition.

How we do

..and what our goal

Our research will involve a combination of techniques including optogenetics, electrophysiology, behavioral assays, and imaging to elucidate the function of specific neuronal populations and their interactions within the amygdala circuitry. Ultimately, our goal is to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the amygdala’s role in emotion, motivation, and social behavior, and to develop new therapeutic strategies for mental health disorders.