Mission
Our main interest is in inhibitory neuronal network structures, and how they change to produce adverse behavioral outcomes. Specifically, we are investigating how the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) regulates neuronal networks via both synaptic and extrasynaptic forms of inhibition in three brain regions: the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), central and basolateral amygdala (BLA), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). In each of these regions, the local inhibitory networks that control overall excitability are dysregulated by exposure to acute and or chronic exposure to alcohol or nicotine.
Goals
01. ALCOHOL
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The Herman lab is interested in the effects of chronic alcohol exposure on neuron activity in the amygdala. We are looking to characterize sex differences as well as to compare physiological properties of neurons in the amygdala with single-cell gene expression.
02. NICOTINE
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Vaping has rapidly gained popularity as an alternative to traditional smoking methods. Our work aims to delineate how nicotine intake via vape exposure affects inhibitory synaptic responses in the VTA, an area widely implicated in reward circuitry, and thus identify rewarding properties of nicotine.
03. psilocybin
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Psilocybin is poorly understood in terms of how it affects specific brain regions. The Herman lab is investigating how psilocybin alters serotonin activity in the CeA, what role serotonin circuits play in the behavioral effects of psilocybin, and whether or not chemogenetic manipulation of neurons can reverse these behavioral effects.
04. ADDICTION
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On a larger scale, the Herman lab is interested in how alterations in inhibitory networks contribute to clinical conditions such as alcohol use disorder, nicotine, and drug addicition. To accomplish this, we are using a combination of behavioral paradigms and electrophysiology techniques.
