This project seeks to study a subset of neurons within the lower brainstem that promote awakening from a coma-like state by engaging multiple arousal pathways. We apply novel technology to visualize global brain activity, optogenetics and fiber photometry to investigate these neurons and their ability to recruit arousal pathways.
Publications:
Activating an anterior nucleus gigantocellularis subpopulation triggers emergence from pharmacologically-induced coma in rodents. Gao S, Proekt A, Renier N, Calderon DP, Pfaff DW.Nat Commun. 2019 Jul 1;10(1):2897. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-10797-7.PMID: 31263107 Free PMC article.
Generalized CNS arousal: An elementary force within the vertebrate nervous system. Calderon DP, Kilinc M, Maritan A, Banavar JR, Pfaff D.Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2016 Sep;68:167-176. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.014. Epub 2016 May 20.PMID: 27216213 Free PMC article. Review.