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Investigators Linda Wilbrecht, Ph.D.
Investigators Linda Wilbrecht, Ph.D.
Linda Wilbrecht, Ph.D.
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Contact Information: Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Adolescent Development of Neural Circuits for Decision-Making  Research DescriptionAdolescence typically marks a major transition to independence. Independence brings with it the need to make important decisions, such as where to forage, where to sleep, and when and where to reproduce. It also often requires a period of exploration with high tolerance for risk that is eventually followed by formation of more stable adult habits. In humans, adolescence also marks a critical moment for the development of addiction.
Anatomical studies have shown that the mammalian brain undergoes radical changes during adolescence, particularly in the frontal lobe, which integrates sensory and memory systems and coordinates flexible decision-making. We are focused on understanding the adolescent transition at the synaptic, circuit, and behavioral level. In particular, we want to understand:
We employ in vivo 2-photon imaging to follow circuit maturation in individual mice over weeks to months. This technology allows ‘time-lapse’ measurement of the effect of age, drugs and other kinds of experiences on individual axons, dendrites, and spines.
We also use electrophysiology to investigate the capacity for plasticity in limbic and frontal circuits in rodents at different developmental stages. These experiments focus on the effect of age and neuromodulators on the capacity for change in synaptic strength at both excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Finally, we use behavioral tests to investigate the decision rules used by rodents at different stages of development and with different experiences. These technologically different approaches will be integrated into larger experiments to shed light on how adolescent experience can affect neural circuit development creating a measurable, long-term change in behavior. New lab members will ideally collaborate and become personally involved with imaging, electrophysiology, and behavioral experiments in pursuit of individual questions. Addiction In addition to adolescence, we are also interested in the neurobiology of addiction. As part of the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, our laboratory is committed to seeking translational applications for basic neuroscience to treat and prevent alcohol and substance abuse. We hope to understand how changes in neural circuits can bias decision-making to facilitate healthy adult habits or create inflexible addictive behavior. These findings should inform strategies to ameliorate addiction by defining the answers to the following questions:
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