striatal-dependent behavior and plasticity

The acquisition and maintainence of habitual behaviors can be both beneficial and dentrimental to a system-- i.e., ASD and related pathologies. Studying the dorsal striatum in rodents, homologue to the caudate putamen in humans, and understanding how the neurons in this region are altered by experience and learning will help us better understand mechanisms at the synaptic level of both medium spiny neurons and fast-spiking interneurons.

adult neurogenesis and plasticity

Understanding the role of adult-born neurons in the hippocampus – a widely accepted neurogenic region, and perhaps striatum – a not-so widely accepted neurogenic region, and their connections to interneurons may provide us with more insight into behavioral changes associated with anxiety regulation and social behaviors.