Our Research
Neuronal Networks Regulating Arousals to Apnea and Pain
We conduct behavioral, biochemical, and electrophysiological studies in mouse models of apnea and pain, using novel genetic tools that can help selectively manipulate and record neural circuits involved in regulating neurobehavioral processes such as Sleep, Arousal, Pain, Breathing, and Sleep Homeostasis.
Tools:
- Optogenetics
- Pharmacogenetics
- Recording population and single-cell calcium dynamics- a surrogate for neuronal activity
- Comprehensive recordings of sleep, respiration, and body temperature in mouse models.
The Parabrachial Area in a Mouse
Parabrachial Nucleus in a mouse
CGRP (Red) and FoxP2 (Green) neurons
Neural Circuits underlying waking up to Pain and Apnea
A Genetically Defined Circuit for Arousal from Sleep during Hypercapnia
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Kaur S, Wang JL, Ferrari L, Thankachan S, Kroeger D, Venner A, Lazarus M, Wellman A, Arrigoni E, Fuller PM, Saper CB. A Genetically Defined Circuit for Arousal from Sleep during Hypercapnia. Neuron. 2017 Dec 6; 96(5):1153-1167.e5. PMCID: PMC5720904.
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Open ArchivePublished:November 02, 2017DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2017.10.009
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https://www.bidmc.org/about-bidmc/news/researchers-id-neurons-that-rouse-the-brain-to-breathe
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https://www.bidmc.org/about-bidmc/news/2020/07/selected-june-publications