Brandon L. Warren

Distinct prelimbic cortex ensembles encode response execution and inhibition

The paper shows that distinct prelimbic cortex ensembles encode response execution and inhibition during different phases of operant learning in rats.

Viral-mediated expression of Erk2 in the nucleus accumbens regulates responses to rewarding and aversive stimuli.

This study shows that manipulating ERK2 levels in the nucleus accumbens of rats alters behaviors related to reward and aversion, with overexpression increasing depression-like and cocaine sensitivity behaviors, and knockdown reducing them.

Labeled lines for fat and sugar reward combine to promote overeating

The paper identifies separate vagal reward circuits for fat and sugar that drive overeating when both are activated, even when calorie intake is controlled.