Marcelo Rubinstein

Expression of the transcription factor Isl1 in dopaminergic neurons of the mouse forebrain

This study investigates the expression pattern of the transcription factor Isl1 in dopaminergic neurons of the developing mouse forebrain, identifying its role as a molecular marker.

Dopaminergic innervation at the central nucleus of the amygdala reveals distinct topographically and functionally segregated regions

This study identifies six topographically and functionally distinct regions in the mouse central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) innervated by different dopaminergic pathways.

Dopamine D2Rs Coordinate Cue-Evoked Changes in Striatal Acetylcholine Levels

This study investigates the role of dopamine D2 receptors in coordinating acetylcholine and dopamine signals in the striatum during reward-related behaviors and finds that D2Rs regulate the timing and magnitude of acetylcholine dips.

Developmental single-cell transcriptomics of hypothalamic POMC progenitors reveal the genetic trajectories of multiple neuropeptidergic phenotypes

The paper uses single-cell RNA sequencing to study the developmental origins of POMC neurons and identifies distinct transcriptional programs leading to different neuropeptidergic phenotypes.

Selection of active defensive behaviors relies on extended amygdala dopamine D2 receptors

This study shows that dopamine D2 receptors in the extended amygdala are crucial for switching between passive and active defensive behaviors in response to threats.

Segregation of brain and organizer precursors is differentially regulated by Nodal signaling at blastula stage

The paper shows that Nodal signaling is required to define chordin.1+ cells and restrict brain precursor recruitment within the BCNE at blastula stage.

Mouse models for V103I and I251L gain of function variants of the human MC4R display reduced adiposity and are not protected from a hypercaloric diet

This study introduces gain-of-function MC4R mutations into mice and finds they lead to leaner, shorter phenotypes and improved glucose homeostasis but do not protect against diet-induced obesity and diabetes.

Cerebellar dopamine D2 receptors regulate preference for social novelty

This study shows that cerebellar dopamine D2 receptors in Purkinje cells regulate social novelty preference in mice without affecting motor functions.

NKX2.1 is critical for melanocortin neuron identity, hypothalamic Pomc expression and body weight

This study shows that NKX2.1 is essential for Pomc expression in hypothalamic neurons and body weight regulation through its role in enhancer activity.