Claire Nguyen

The interpeduncular nucleus blunts the rewarding effect of nicotine

This study shows that the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) regulates nicotine reward by modulating VTA neuron activity through β4-containing nAChRs.

Nicotine engages a VTA-NAc feedback loop to inhibit amygdala-projecting dopamine neurons and induce anxiety.

The paper shows nicotine inhibits amygdala-projecting dopamine neurons via a VTA-NAc feedback loop, leading to anxiety.

Nicotine in adolescence freezes dopamine circuits in an immature state

This study shows that adolescent nicotine exposure disrupts dopamine circuit development, leading to adult vulnerability to nicotine, which can be reversed by restoring dopamine pathway balance.

Individual variations in reward-seeking adaptability emerge among isogenic mice living in a micro-society and predict their response to nicotine

The paper studies individual differences in reward-seeking behavior among isogenic mice in a social environment and links these differences to nicotine response and dopaminergic adaptability.

Prolonged nicotine exposure reduces aversion to the drug in mice by altering nicotinic transmission in the interpeduncular nucleus.

Chronic nicotine increases midbrain dopamine neuron activity and biases individual strategies towards reduced exploration in a foraging task.

This study shows chronic nicotine exposure shifts decision-making strategies toward increased exploitation in a foraging task, with optogenetic manipulation of dopamine neurons replicating this effect.

Distinct dopamine circuits transmit the reinforcing and anxiogenic effects of nicotine

This study identifies distinct dopamine circuits in the ventral tegmental area that mediate nicotine's reinforcing and anxiogenic effects through opposing responses in neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens and amygdala.

Somatic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors control the activity of dopamine neurons and reward-related behaviors.

This study shows that somatic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in VTA dopamine neurons modulate firing properties and reward-related behaviors through optical manipulation.

Social interactions impact on the dopaminergic system and drive individuality

The paper shows that social interactions shape individuality in mice by altering dopaminergic system adaptations and behavioral traits.