The role of hypothalamic and reward-processing neuronal circuits in adaptive regulation of motor behaviors in maternal mice (A04)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431549029

Project A04 investigates how motor behaviors are modulated by hypothalamic and reward-processing neuronal circuits. We study neuronal mechanisms that enable the emergence and fine-tuning of specific motor actions in maternal mice – such as infant-directed motor actions and active maternal quiescent poses. Combining optogenetics, chemogenetics, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology and calcium imaging, project A04 characterizes the state-dependent role of hypothalamic and midbrain circuits in adaptive, state-dependent regulation of motor behaviors.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1451: Key mechanisms of motor control in health and disease
• Applicant Institution: Universität zu Köln
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Tatiana Korotkova; Dr. Anne Petzold; Dr. Silvana Valtcheva