Serotonin neurons are mainly localized to the raphe nuclei of the brainstem, but their axons are widely distributed throughout the nervous system and have a ubiquitous role in physiological processes and behavior. Adding to this complexity is the diverse array of high-affinity receptors that bind...

We study the neural circuits and intraneuronal signaling mechanisms that regulate appetite, body weight, sleep, and cardiorespiratory function in mice and aim to understand how these regulatory processes go awry in metabolic disorders. To this end, we employee state-of-the-art neuroscience...

We combine behavioral, physiological, functional neuroanatomical, and cellular approaches to unravel the neural circuitry that underlies adaptive neuroendocrine responses to stress. Recently we have identified a locus in the basal forebrain that serves as a neural hub for integrating and relaying...

My lab uses genetic manipulation in mice to study the effects of Acid Sensing Ion Channels (ASICs) on behavior. Because one of these channels, ASIC1, is abundant in the amygdala complex, we tested whether it plays a role in Pavlovian fear conditioning. We found that ASIC1a knockout mice have reduced...

My long-term goal is to understand the cerebellar contribution to cognition. In pursuit of this goal, I combine neurophysiology, pharmacology and optogenetics in animals performing cognitive tasks to dissect cerebellar neural circuitry. I study the potential for cerebellar stimulation to rescue...

Dr. Strathearn is Professor of Pediatrics and the Division Director for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the University of Iowa, as well as Physician Director of the Center for Disabilities and Development at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. He holds the William E. Bell/Gail A...

Our clinical and translational research group seeks to better understand the pathophysiology and therapeutics of major mood and substance use disorders including their comorbidity. A major focus has been the identification, replication, and dissemination of biomarkers of treatment response to the...

My research program is focused on two strategically developed areas of research. The first is exploring how energy and glucose homeostasis is regulated by novel endocrine pathways. More specifically, we examine how endocrine signals in the periphery communicate with the central nervous system...

The Trapp lab engages in research endeavors aimed at improving the current applications of neuromodulation, better understanding the physiologic effects of brain stimulation therapies, and exploring the potential for these therapies in new patient populations. We are currently engaged in research...

My laboratory focuses on two lines of research: the neural circuitry underlying memory consolidation and the neurobiology underlying cocaine-seeking behavior in rats. In our memory consolidation work, we use optogenetics in combination with different types of learning tasks in rats to elucidate the...