Research

Our recent work suggests that the encoding of behaviors critical for survival is not confined to isolated brain regions but instead orchestrated by distributed neural networks in the deep brain (Stagkourakis et al., 2023 - bioRxiv). This perspective is reflected in our work on anatomically dispersed representations, where we identified that survival behaviors like aggression involve interactions between multiple brain areas. By extending these findings, we aim to map the dynamic, distributed circuits that drive adaptive behaviors, capturing how neural activity evolves in response to changing environments and prior experience.

Previously, we also studied the role of plasticity in hypothalamic synapses in modulating behaviors such as aggression, laying the groundwork for our current research into how internal states like hunger, stress, or reproductive drives influence hardwired neural circuitry. These findings underscore the profound impact of physiological states and neuroplasticity on the expression of behavior.

The capacity for neural circuits to adapt to external pressures and internal demands is central to behavioral flexibility, a theme that runs through much of our work. We are exploring how perturbations to neural circuits —through techniques such as optogenetics— affect behavioral outcomes, shedding light on the brain’s ability to compensate for disruptions and maintain flexibility. This research draws inspiration from studies that have demonstrated how large-scale neural activity patterns reorganize in response to changing conditions, and it will be crucial in understanding the neural resilience that supports adaptive behavior.