Research focus
The periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) is a midbrain structure processing threatful and panicogenic stimuli and involved in the regulation of autonomic functions. Direct stimulation of PAG neurons in humans and in rodents evokes panic-like behavior and associated autonomic responses. However, the identity of PAG neurons and the circuit motifs process the threat- and panic-related information is poorly understood.
We use viral labeling to study anatomy of projections and electrophysiology, Patch-Seq, and high-throughput voltage imaging combined with RNA-transcriptomics (Voltage-Seq) to dissect the PAG networks in naïve and panic-like neuronal circuits; we use in vivo mouse optogenetics and behavior to induce and validate panic-like states.
Our research has a special angle on sex-differences as this factor strongly determines the susceptibility to panic disorder. We identify the neuronal types and circuit motifs with pioneering techniques to detect molecular and physiological changes in male and female circuits of panic-like state.
Research support
- Åke Wibergs Stiftelse, Sweden
- BBRF NARSAD Young Investigator Grant, USA
- Jeansson Stiftelse, Sweden
- Swedish Brain Foundation, Sweden
- The Strategic Research Area Neuroscience (StratNeuro), Sweden
- Vetenskapsrådet (The Swedish Research Council), Sweden
- Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
- Thurings Stiftesle, Sweden