NIH Reporter #5R01DA041705-08

A Dynamic Diversity of Dopamine Neurons

This NIH grant funds research to understand the biophysical mechanisms of dopamine neuron subpopulations, aiming to improve therapies for disorders like substance abuse, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia through experimental and modeling approaches.

Description

We aim to understand the biophysical mechanisms that enable the distinct intrinsic dynamics of dopamine (DA) neuron subpopulations that project to distinct targets by a combination of modeling and in vivo/in vitro experimental strategies. We focus on how intrinsic dynamics differ between defined DA subpopulations, and how those differences shape the integration of synaptic input within the circuit, including newly identified modes of burst generation in DA neurons in vivo: plateau bursting and rebound bursting. A better understanding of the intrinsic properties of distinct subpopulations of dopamine neurons will be invaluable in targeting therapies for disorders with abnormal dopamine signaling, such as substance abuse disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia.

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