Gregg Stanwood
Contact Information
Interest
We study 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
We primarily work in mouse models of human disease and use pharmacological, behavioral, cell biological, and neuroanatomical methods. In one series of studies we 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, we 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.