A novel midbrain-extended amygdala pathway controls defensive behavior

A novel research direction of our team is to unravel the circuit mechanisms underlying defensive behavior. 

To this end, we apply neuroanatomical techniques, electrophysiological recordings combined with optogenetics and behavioral tests combined with chemogenetics. Currently, we study a function of a pathway that originates in the midbrain and terminates in the extended amygdala. This hitherto unstudied projection plays a role in a set of defensive behavior, including contextual memory formation and predator odor avoidance.

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