Our group aims to identify novel drug targets to treat depression and anxiety disorders. We focus on the inhibitory cells in the hippocampus- cells that are highly associated with these conditions. By applying cell-type-specific approaches, we search for new targets that mediate the function of these cells, and therefore, depression and anxiety-like behaviors.
A major focus of our lab is Neurensin-2. We recently identified this novel protein as a dynamic, cell-type-specific regulator of emotional behavior. By combining molecular, physiological, cellular, and behavioral approaches, we aim to understand how Neurensin-2 mediates depression and anxiety and develop the next generation of anxiolytics and antidepressants.
