Characterizing Hippocampal Circuits
The hippocampus is a brain region that controls motivated and emotional behaviors. Schizophrenia patients show increased hippocampal activity, and we have previously used a rodent model to identify specific hippocampal cell types associated with discrete symptoms of schizophrenia. Using cutting-edge techniques, including eGRASP and opto-electrophysiology, we recently characterized the anatomy and function of hippocampal circuits in healthy animals. Currently, our lab is examining the effect of risk factors, such as maternal immune activation or chronic stress, on these circuits.
Related publication: Discrete hippocampal projections are differentially regulated by parvalbumin and somatostatin interneurons. Nature Communications, 2023.
Developmental Contributions to Schizophrenia Risk
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Mitochondria are intracellular organelles critically involved in cellular energy metabolism. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. In collaboration with Dr. Elena Goun at the University of Missouri, we have demonstrated that maternal immune activation (MIA), a risk factor for schizophrenia and autism, alters mitochondrial membrane potential and the expression of genes associated with mitochondrial function in offspring. Importantly, restoring mitochondrial membrane potential improves behavioral deficits caused by MIA. Currently, we are working to identify the cell types and circuits affected by mitochondrial dysfunction.
Related publication: Maternal Immune Activation Leads to Mitochondrial Dysfunction and a Social Deficit in Offspring That Is Reversed by Nicotinamide Riboside. Nutrients, 2026.
Alcohol use in schizophrenia
The prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the general U.S. population is around 7%, yet nearly a quarter of people with schizophrenia develop an AUD. Hyperactivity in the hippocampus has been implicated in both the pathology of schizophrenia and in alcohol use. Therefore, we are using the maternal immune activation (MIA) model to determine whether specific cell populations in the hippocampus contribute to both abnormal drinking and schizophrenia-like behavioral deficits.
Chronic Stress and Risk for Anxiety Disorders
Chronic stress is a well-established risk factor for anxiety-related disorders, including PTSD, and is known to alter communication between the medial prefrontal cortex and ventral hippocampus. Our lab is investigating how chronic stress reshapes this circuit at the level of specific cell populations and projections, and whether these changes causally drive the fear and anxiety-related behaviors associated with PTSD.
Our Approach
Across these projects, we combine a range of modern systems neuroscience techniques to link molecular and cellular changes to circuit function and, ultimately, behavior.
Circuit manipulation
Opto- and chemogenetics to causally test the role of specific cell types and projections in behavior.
In vivo recording
Calcium imaging, fiber photometry, and in vivo electrophysiology to monitor circuit activity during behavior.
Circuit mapping
Anatomical circuit tracing and eGRASP to characterize synaptic connectivity between defined cell populations.
Molecular profiling
Transcriptomics to identify cell-type-specific molecular changes associated with risk factors and disease.
Behavioral analysis
Rodent behavioral models paired with machine learning to quantify complex, ethologically relevant behaviors.