Using cutting edge methodology in mouse genetics, our aim is to elucidate the core circuits of aversion as well as the more specific avenues by which different aversive stimuli such as inflammation and social stress activate these circuits and induce aversion and depressive symptoms.
We have made important contributions to the understanding of how systemic inflammation and inflammatory pain induce a negative affective state (e.g. Fritz et al. 2016, J Clin Invest and Singh et al. 2017, J Clin Invest). Continuing along these lines of research, we now focus on the role of microglia, serotonergic neurons and the melanocortin systems as critical neural substrates for aversive and depressive signaling.
We hope that our research will both generate findings interesting from a scientific perspective and be useful for developing strategies towards the reduction of suffering in sick individuals.
For further details - see down below at "Research"
