Projects
Circuits controlling noradrenaline

What is the origin of noradrenergic activity during behavior? In this project, we study how inputs from various regions of cortical and subcortical networks affect noradrenergic responses during learned behaviors. To do so, we combine anatomic tracings with in vivo targeted recordings of various neuronal populations controlling the locus coeruleus neuronal activity.
Synergistic role of catecholamines in behaviors

Recent studies on noradrenaline and dopamine have shown that these two systems share similar neurophysiological functions during behaviors. Both systems seem to provide strong execution and learning signals, but how the synergistic release of these two neurotransmitter affects target circuits remains greatly understudied. We examine this role by combining two-photon functional imaging of targeted populations, dense electrode arrays recordings, and optogenetic manipulations of the prefrontal cortex in behaving mice.
Methods
Multi-photon microscopy

We use two-photon microscopy to image the activity of genetically identified neurons in awake and behaving mice.
Targeted In vivo electrophysiology

We use phototagging (optogenetics + single-unit recordings) to record the spiking activity of selected neurons located in deep brain structures.
Large-scale in vivo electrophysiology

We record and analyze population dynamics of cortical and subcortical regions using dense electrode arrays.
Micro-endoscopy

We use two-photon micro-endoscopy to record population dynamics of deep brain structures
Quantitative mouse behavior

We study mouse behavior using quantifiable sensory-motor tasks.
Anatomical tracings

We use retrograde and anterograde tracing methods to identify and manipulate brain circuits.