National Institute on Drug Abuse 5R01DA041705-08

A Dynamic Diversity of Dopamine Neurons

The award supports research to elucidate the intrinsic firing properties of dopamine neuron subpopulations, aiming to improve understanding and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders involving dopamine dysregulation.

Description

This project aims to understand the biophysical mechanisms that enable the distinct intrinsic dynamics of dopamine neuron subpopulations that project to distinct targets by a combination of modeling and in vivo/in vitro experimental strategies. It focuses on how intrinsic dynamics differ between defined dopamine subpopulations and how those differences shape the integration of synaptic input within the circuit, including newly identified modes of burst generation in dopamine neurons in vivo: plateau bursting and rebound bursting. The research has implications for targeting therapies for disorders with abnormal dopamine signaling such as substance abuse disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and schizophrenia.

View original record