Neural circuits for behavioural adaptation
The group is interested in the neurophysiological mechanisms that enable the flexible regulation of motivated behaviours according to need and experience. Specifically, we investigate the role of spontaneous neural activity dynamics in subcortical circuits for the adaptive regulation of motivated behaviours in food-related and social contexts in health and disease. We apply neuroimaging methods such as single cell calcium imaging and fiber photometry, as well as cell type-specific neural activity manipulations such as opto- and chemogenetics, in the freely moving rodent, in combination with detailed assessments of behavior. For the anatomical and functional characterisation of neurochemically distinct cell populations and their pathways, we apply circuit tracing as well as molecular techniques such as immunohistochemistry, RNAscope and single cell transcriptomics.
Selected recent publications:
