From molecules to circuits: decoding the neural basis of emotion and aversion

Our team investigates how molecular mechanisms underlying the processing of inhibitory and excitatory inputs in neurons are integrated into neural circuits to shape emotional and affective behaviors.
We study the cellular and synaptic mechanisms that control neuronal firing and information processing, with a particular focus on non-synaptic and synaptic signaling pathways.

Our research focuses in particular on the intralaminar and midline thalamus and the medial habenula, key brain regions involved in attention, aversion, and state transitions such as wake and sleep.
We also explore how these circuits transform incoming signals at the single-neuron level to influence behavior.

Building on a bottom-up approach, we investigate how identified molecular actors shape circuit function and behavioral outcomes in vivo.

Research areas : Thalamic circuits – Medial habenula – Synaptic integration – Neural circuits of emotion – Optogenetics and chemogenetics – Behavior