Christopher D. Howard

Characterization of striatal dopamine projections across striatal subregions in behavioral flexibility

This study investigates how dopamine release in different striatal regions affects behavioral flexibility using optogenetics in mice.

Nigrostriatal Dopamine Signals Sequence-Specific Action-Outcome Prediction Errors

This study shows that dopamine signals sequence-specific action-outcome prediction errors in mice during sequential instrumental actions.

Colonization at birth with human CST IV cervicovaginal microbiota alters development and increases neonatal mortality in mice

The paper shows that colonization with nonoptimal human cervicovaginal microbiota in mice leads to developmental issues and increased neonatal mortality.

Optogenetic interrogation of the role of striatal patches in habit formation and inhibition of striatal dopamine

This study uses optogenetics to investigate how striatal patches influence habit formation and dopamine signaling in mice.

It’s the fiber, not the fat: Significant effects of dietary challenge on the gut microbiome

This study shows that dietary fiber, not fat, drives gut microbiota changes when comparing refined diets to chow in mice, with sex and age effects observed.

Lesion of striatal patches disrupts habitual behaviors and increases behavioral variability

This study shows that striatal patches are critical for maintaining habitual behaviors and behavioral stability, as their lesioning disrupts habitual responding and increases behavioral variability.