Involvement of the projections from lateral habenula to RVM in the social defeat stress-induced behavioral impairments

Abstract

Rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) is a key structure of the descending pain pathway. Our group described a novel function of the RVM on stress-induced behavioral impairments. We also described a novel projection targeting RVM neurons originating from the lateral habenula (LHb), a structure that works as a relay station interconnecting the limbic forebrain with stress-related monoaminergic centers including the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and raphe nuclei. In the present project we will use chemogenetics, fiber photometry, and optogenetics approaches to investigate the function of LHb ’ RVM projections in the stress-induced behavioral impairments. It is important to note that the host group has great experience in using, developing, and teaching, the above-mentioned techniques, and is world leader in the field of stress-induced mental disorders. Furthermore, this project will impact decisively the candidate's career since he is profoundly interested in conducting his scientific career towards the study of neuronal connectivity. (AU)