Affiliation
MPI for Biological Intelligence - Department "Molecules - Signaling - Development"
Contact
Department "Molecules - Signaling - Development"
Am Klopferspitz 18
D-82152 Martinsried
Phone:
+49 (89) 8578 - 3151
Fax:
+49 (89) 8578 - 3152
Email:
brauer@neuro.mpg.de
Website:
https://www.bi.mpg.de/klein
Research Focus
Project description:
The amygdala is a cluster of highly conserved nuclei at the base of the brain, important for appetitive and aversive behaviors. The CeA contains distinct subpopulations of neurons that regulate feeding behavior. Activity of some populations suppress feeding (e.g. Pkδ) while activity of others promote feeding (e.g.Htr2a), depending on the brain regions they project to.
‘CeA Fasting Ensembles’ refer to CeA neurons that have increased activity during fasting.
Investigating brain regions modulated by CeA axons active during fasting, can help elucidate CeA neural circuitry regulating feeding behavior. We identified the parasubthalamic nucleus (PSTN) as a potential area of interest and hypothesized that the increase in inhibitory input from the CeA to the PSTN play an important role in feeding regulation.
Techniques: We use viral tracing, behavior, histology, and electrophysiology to answer the questions related.
Mentor: Christian Peters
Necessary lab skills:
- Neuroscience background;
- Previous work with mice at any level (histology, behavior, or electrophysiology, for example).