Summary
This research project aims to understand how developmental serotonin levels impact prefrontal cortex (PFC) development and PFC-dependent cognitive behavior, specifically focusing on the activity of PFC parvalbumin-expressing (PV) interneurons.
What they want
The project investigates the direct effects of serotonin (5-HT) on developing PFC PV excitability using slice electrophysiology (Aim 1), examines the net effects of 5-HT release into the PFC on PV interneuron activity using an in vivo model, optogenetics, and fiber photometry (Aim 2), and evaluates how 5-HT potentiation to the PFC alters cognitive flexibility using chemogenetics and cognitive flexibility assays (Aim 3). The overall goal is to elucidate mechanisms contributing to developmental trajectories of complex cognitive behavior and identify early risk factors of mental illness.
