Topic: hM4Di

Chemogenetic techniques have broadened our understanding of how early activity shapes developing brain circuits. A widely used chemogenetic actuator is hM4Di, which employs Gi/o-protein signaling for neuronal inhibition. However, its single-cellular mechanisms and efficacy in neurons with immature Gi/o signaling are elusive. Here, we investigate the applicability of transgenically expressed hM4Di for silencing pyramidal cells in the hippocampus of neonatal mice. Electrophysiological recordings from CA1 pyramidal cells demonstrate that hM4Di does not mediate hyperpolarization or shunting and, i

Alcoholism has been linked extensively to violence and aggressive behavior. About half of all violent crimes and sexual assaults are committed under the influence of alcohol. However, the underlying neuroanatomical mechanism of this connection remains elusive. Previous research in our group points at the somatostatin neurons in the medial amygdala as a relevant regulator of this behavior. In this work, we have investigated sex-specific behavioral alterations after chronic alcohol intoxication. Also, we have considered neuronal activity changes and introduced an emerging therapeutic target. Onl