R MAINS SMITH

This study identifies PSTN Crh neurons as a key driver of alcohol drinking escalation in dependence, showing their role shifts from inhibitory to stimulatory with dependence.

The paper identifies two distinct engram ensembles within striatal medium spiny neurons that encode opposing memories for alcohol relapse and extinction.

This study examines genetic and physiological changes in the mediodorsal thalamus of alcohol-dependent mice and finds alcohol-biased calcium signaling during choice behaviors.

This study shows that rats resistant to punishment for cocaine use show inflexible habitual behavior, while those sensitive to punishment show increased goal-directed control.

This paper shows that drug reinforcement impairs cognitive flexibility by inhibiting striatal cholinergic interneurons through enhanced inhibitory transmission from direct-pathway medium spiny neurons.

This study shows chronic alcohol consumption impairs cognitive flexibility by reducing thalamic excitation of cholinergic neurons in the dorsomedial striatum.