Currently we are using GABAergic synapses in rodents as the model system, with three considerations in mind:
- Biology and physiology of GABAergic synapses are complex but greatly understudied;
- GABAergic system is important in almost every aspect of brain physiology and dysregulation of GABAergic system has been implicated in pathogenesis of numerous brain disorders;
- GABAA receptors are prolific targets for several clinical, therapeutic or recreational drugs that are widely used to treat anxiety, sleep disorder, depression, pain and epilepsy or to induce general anesthesia.
Generally, we have no predetermined projects in the lab that are instead typically developed through extensive discussion, brainstorming and pilot experimentation. Ongoing projects in the lab include,
- Molecules and pathways critical for synapse development/transmission and their roles in animal behavior
- Novel GABAA receptor auxiliary subunits and development of new GABAA receptor psychopharmacology
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