About Current Studies
Research Underway
Our focus in research develops as we continue to investigate. These are some of the ongoing projects that our research has lead us to so far.
Overall, the Fadok laboratory has a goal of expanding current understandings of neurobiological connections to mental illness. Each of our researchers is doing so through their own avenues. Below you can find information regarding each of the projects we are currently investigating.
How our questions are currently developing the world of neuroscience
Chandu is interested in studying the neural regulation underlying defensive response scaling and flexible action selection, like freezing-flight-fight, in the face of threat. He uses sophisticated neuronal tracing tools and employes optogenetics and chemogenetic manipulations to evaluate the role of cell type specific neuronal pathways modulating the fear responses. Moreover, Chandu is an expert in recording neuronal activity using Miniscope assisted deep brain calcium imaging. The overall aim of his studies is to identify the potential targets for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorders.
Daniel's current research broadly covers the effects of neuromodulators on fear memory acquisition. Using chemogenetics, optogenetics, and photometric recording techniques during modified Pavlovian conditioning paradigms, he hopes to manipulate and quantify neuromodulator systems that generate distinct behavioral phenotypes. His recent work has focused on how the activity of the cholinergic system in the basolateral amygdala can lead to maladaptive fear memory acquisition. Daniel’s ultimate goal is to uncover potential interventions in the development of hypervigilance to threat often observed in PTSD.
Eric is currently researching how different brain areas affect defensive response during the extinction of conditioned fear responses. He is using optogenetics to manipulate regions like the central amygdala and ventral hippocampus during a modified Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigm in order to determine their roles in modulating fear responses like freezing and flight. Eric hopes that his research will provide insight into treatment targets for those suffering from fear disorders like PTSD.
Kasey is researching the systems involved in behavioral production, with a focus on the circuitry that mediates behavior in the presence of multiple valences. She uses single unit recording and chemogenetic and optogenetic techniques to manipulate the pathways between the central amygdala and nucleus accumbens during a conditioned suppression task. Her overall goal is to uncover mechanisms that can become potential therapeutic targets for treating anxiety-related disorders.