Julia C. Lemos

CRF release from a unique subpopulation of accumbal neurons constrains action-outcome acquisition in reward learning

The paper identifies a subpopulation of NAc neurons releasing CRF that influences reward learning by constraining action-outcome acquisition and enabling flexibility.

Ventral pallidal GABAergic neurons drive consumption in male, but not female rats

This study shows that activating ventral pallidal GABAergic neurons increases food and sucrose consumption in male rats but not female rats.

Corticotropin releasing factor alters the functional diversity of accumbal cholinergic interneurons

This study identifies heterogeneous firing patterns in accumbal cholinergic interneurons and shows they are modulated by corticotropin releasing factor and the estrous cycle.

Cholinergic interneurons in the nucleus accumbens are a site of cellular convergence for corticotropin release factor and estrogen regulation

The paper investigates how estrogen and corticotropin releasing factor regulate cholinergic interneurons in the nucleus accumbens, finding sex-specific mRNA expression patterns and interactions.

Loss of muscarinic M5 receptor function manifests disparate impairments in exploratory behavior in male and female mice despite common dopamine regulation

This study investigates the role of M5 receptors in dopamine transmission and exploratory behavior in male and female mice, finding sex-specific impairments in exploration and habituation.

Cholinergic interneurons as a novel target of CRF in the striatum that is spared by repeated stress

The paper identifies cholinergic interneurons as a novel CRF target in the striatum that remains unaffected by repeated stress.