Probing the role of the extended amygdala circuits in motivated behavior - Thomas Kash

Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute Seminar Series Presents

Thomas Kash, PhD

John Andrews Distinguished Professor,
Department of Pharmacology,
University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Host: Konstantin Kaganovsky (Ding Lab)

Abstract 

The Central Extended Amygdala, composed primarily of the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala and the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis, has long been proposed to play a critical role in motivated behaviors.  I will present new data from the lab demonstrating how defined cell populations in these structures gate both positive and negative valence driven behaviors, and how dysregulation of these circuits may play a key role in multiple pathological states.