Mario Alexander Penzo

A synaptic mechanism for encoding the learned value of action-derived safety

The paper identifies a thalamostriatal circuit mechanism by which internally constructed outcomes, like safety, acquire motivational value through synaptic plasticity in mice.

A conserved cell-type gradient across the human mediodorsal and paraventricular thalamus

The paper identifies a conserved excitatory neuron gradient in human mediodorsal thalamus using single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomics, linking it to psychiatric disorder risk.

Molecular and spatial profiling of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus

The paper identifies five molecularly distinct PVT neuronal subtypes using snRNA-seq and reveals their spatial organization and connectivity with cortical areas.

Bidirectional modulation of pain-related behaviors in the zona incerta

This study identifies an inhibitory neural circuit from CeA-PKCδ neurons to the zona incerta that bidirectionally modulates pain-related behaviors in mice.

An insula-central amygdala circuit for behavioral inhibition

The paper identifies the insula-central amygdala circuit's role in avoidance behavior by showing its necessity and sufficiency for learning anticipatory avoidance of unpleasant tastants.