Serotonin neurotransmission is also associated with many psychological and behavioral disorders. A relatively small population of neurons in the brain release serotonin as a neurotransmitter, and it’s poorly understood how or why these neurons might go-wrong to generate a particular disorder. Although serotonin neurons are relatively few, it’s possible that they can be divided into functionally-distinct subsets, each potentially relevant to a specific behavioral state, and in turn particularly important for a distinct disorder. Thus, one of our interests is to understand the structure-function relationship of serotonin neurons using rodent model systems.

Some of these rodent models include genetic models of disease. For example we are studying models relevant to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), where serotonin has long been suspected of playing a role but that role has remained enigmatic. We would like to understand how serotonin neurons malfunction and define their vulnerabilities. Feedback mechanisms, common in the serotonin system, are of particular interest for two reasons. First, feedback mechanisms are control mechanisms, and in disease states serotonin neurotransmission appears to be out of control. Second, feedback mechanisms can generate certain types of instability, and this could have consequences on behavior.

New techniques and old ones, applied in new ways, are brought to bear on these problems. A strength of my lab is in using imaging and neuroanatomical techniques to provide new insight into how serotonin neurons work. These are combined with behavioral pharmacology, genetic tools and other complimentary approaches.