Project Title: Neurobiology of REM Sleep
Project Contact: Dr. Vetrivelan Ramalingam (vramalin@bidmc.harvard.edu)
Research Type: Basic Science and Translational Research
Status: Flexible (full-time or part-time options available)
Work Modality: In-Person
Academic Level: Undergraduate, Graduate, Medical Student
Pay: Unpaid
Project Description: Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a distinct sleep state during which vivid dreams occur. This stage of sleep plays a critical role in emotional processing and several cognitive functions. Several neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, are associated with severe dysregulation of REM sleep, but the underlying neural mechanisms are not well understood. The major goal of the project is to identify the neural circuit dysfunction responsible for REM sleep abnormalities in such disorders. The student who works on this project will be able to learn and apply advanced conditional genetic tools (e.g., optogenetics, chemogenetics, photometry) and behavioral techniques in animal models to study this complex problem.