Gregg Stanwood
Contact Information
Interest
The Stanwood Lab studies how genes and environment contribute to the formation and function of brain circuits that mediate cognitive, motivational and emotional responses. Dysregulation of these processes during critical periods of maturation contributes to development of mental health and neurological disorders.
Current Research
The lab primarily works in mouse models of human disease and uses pharmacological, behavioral, cell biological and neuroanatomical methods. In one series of studies researchers are assessing the roles for dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the differentiation of forebrain interneurons, and studying how loss and gain of function in the dopamine system leads to neuropsychiatric disorders later in life. In another project, they are focusing on an important insulin regulator in the brain, GLP-1, and how GLP-1 receptors can regulate drug reward, dopamine homeostasis and responses to stress.