The Commons Laboratory uses a combination of neuroanatomy and behavioral pharmacology in mouse models to study the brain at the systems level. This systematic approach will help us achieve our goal of understanding how serotonin has the ability to influence every behavioral output.
Specifically, we aim to understand the network architecture and development of the brain's serotonin system and how it malfunctions in different disease states. Serotonin neurotransmission is associated with many psychological and behavioral disorders, yet it remains poorly understood how serotonin neurotransmission goes wrong to generate distinct disorders. Our work spans from the level of channels and synaptic architecture to understanding the role of feedback inhibition and the global organization of serotonin neurons in the brain. Disorders of particular interest include depression, drug addiction, autism and SIDS.
Please browse our pages to learn something about what we do.
