Project Summary

Antoine R. Adamantidis, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2008) of Stanford University, will use optogenetic methods to selectively photoactivate genetically identified melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and the hypocretin (Hcrt) neuronal circuits. The importance of these neuropeptides in modulation of depression and anxiety and associated clinical treatments, has long been demonstrated, and has been shown to have anatogonistic functions in arousal, depression and anxiety. These experiments will establish a causal link between the activation of specific groups of hypothalamic neurons and depression and anxiety, and may help to develop interventions to treat these disorders.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS\Anxiety Disorders/Mood Disorders

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