Paper release on newly discovered D1/D2 co-expressing striatal neuron population
Striatal projection neurons coexpressing dopamine D1 and D2 receptors modulate the motor function of D1- and D2-SPNs https://doi.org/10.1038/s41593-024-01694-4
Maged1 and USP7 in a new unexpected mechanism involved in drug dependence
Published in Nature Communication, our study unveils a novel mechanism involving the gene Maged1, which surprisingly operates outside the anticipated reward circuit, within the paraventricular thalamus region of the brain. This unexpected finding sheds light on specific epigenetic modifications, altering DNA structure and influencing gene expression. We identified USP7 as a crucial partner in these […]
Paper release on activity of striatal neurons and behavior encoding
The respective activation and silencing of striatal direct and indirect pathway neurons support behavior encoding. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-40677-0
Paper release on nucleus accumbens and social behavior in mice
Balance Between Projecting Neuronal Populations of the Nucleus Accumbens Controls Social Behavior in Mice. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.05.008
New submitted paper on the role of D1- and D2-SPNs in social interaction is now in BioRxi
Our study reports the key role played by NAc D1R/D2R-SPN balance of activity in controlling social behavior and evidences the promises of pharmacological compounds developed to repress D2R. https://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2022.11.28.518147v1
New submitted paper on a new epigenetic mechanism in drug addiction is now in bioRxiv
We have identified a novel cocaine-induced epigenetic mechanism in the thalamus relevant to cocaine use disorders in humans. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.11.16.516716v1
A lipid transfer protein ensures nematode cuticular impermeability
At the origin of many discoveries, the nematode C. elegans has forged a solid reputation as a genetic model organism. Its use as a pharmacological model is however limited: its cuticle is impermeable to chemicals, toxins and pathogens. Increased permeability is therefore a desirable phenotype as it would facilitate chemical absorption. We identified a mutant […]
New submitted paper on motor encoding in the striatum is now in bioRxiv
Our work highlights a complementary encoding of behaviors in the two striatal pathways that supports an updated model, reconciling previous conflicting conclusions on motor encoding in the striatum. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.06.20.496781
Congratulations to Alban de Kerchove d’Exaerde for the awarded WELBIO+CDR+EQP+PDR FNRS research grants!
Congratulations to Alban de Kerchove d’Exaerde for the awarded WELBIO+CDR+EQP+PDR FNRS research grants!
New paper release highlighting an unexpected paradoxical motor inhibition by dopamine in the striatum
Unexpected inhibition of motor function by dopamine activation of D1/D2 co-expressing striatal neurons. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.04.05.487163 https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.04.05.487163v1
