Event Details:
Join the speaker for coffee, cookies, and conversation before the talk, starting at 11:45am.
Redefining the role of “reward” systems in behavioral control
Abstract
At the center of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia is a dysregulation in reward learning and motivation. At the core of these behaviors- and these disorders - is the mesolimbic dopamine system. A large body of work has aimed to define the precise information encoded within dopaminergic systems with the current theories positing that dopamine transmits a reward-based error signal. Here we disprove previous theories and quantitatively demonstrate that dopamine transmits a saliency signal that allows organisms to learn adaptively across conditions and contexts. Using optical tools, we show how these signals modulate the activity of striatal cell populations to guide behavior. Together we provide novel and foundational knowledge of how dopaminergic transmission controls motivated behavior. This work will be important for interpreting how dopamine deficits associated with disease states lead to dysfunction in behavior.
Erin Calipari, Ph.D.
Vanderbilt University
Dr. Calipari is the Director of the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research and an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University. Her work focuses on understanding the neural circuits that govern motivated behaviors, with particular attention to how these circuits are altered in addiction and psychiatric disorders. Dr. Calipari is known for her interdisciplinary approach, integrating behavioral, molecular, and circuit-level data to create comprehensive models of brain function. Over her career, she has published over 95 peer-reviewed research articles and reviews on these topics. In her role as director of the Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, she is leading a large group of faculty, students, and staff as they work together to understand the brain and the factors that confer risk to addiction. Through targeted outreach, the center has made an impact in the local and national community by educating the public on the science of addiction. In addition to her research, Dr. Calipari is deeply committed to mentorship and fostering diversity in science. She is an advocate for the advancement of women in STEM fields and works actively to create inclusive environments in academic and research settings.
Hosted by - Neir Eshel (STAAR Lab)
This seminar is co-presented by Psychiatry Grand Rounds | Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Sign up for Speaker Meet-ups
Engagement with our seminar speakers extends beyond the lecture. On seminar days, invited speakers meet one-on-one with faculty members, have lunch with a small group of trainees, and enjoy dinner with a small group of faculty and the speaker's host.
If you’re a Stanford faculty member or trainee interested in participating in these Speaker Meet-up opportunities, click the button below to express your interest. Depending on availability, you may be invited to join the speaker for one of these enriching experiences.
Speaker Meet-ups Interest Form
About the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Seminar Series
The Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute seminar series brings together the Stanford neuroscience community to discuss cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary brain research, from biochemistry to behavior and beyond.
Topics include new discoveries in fundamental neurobiology; advances in human and translational neuroscience; insights from computational and theoretical neuroscience; and the development of novel research technologies and neuro-engineering breakthroughs.
Unless otherwise noted, seminars are held Thursdays at 12:00 noon PT.
Questions? Contact neuroscience@stanford.edu
Sign up to learn about all our upcoming events
Related Event
