Projection-specific gene expression in resilience to chronic stress
Robison (PD)
09/2016-07/2027
NIMH R01 MH111604
The proposed work seeks to delineate the role of gene transcription and cell physiology of hippocampal neurons that project to specific brain targets in resilience to stress. This work utilizes innovative techniques to uncover basic pathophysiology that may be exploited as novel therapeutic interventions in major depressive disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder.
Transcriptional mechanisms in mast cells underlying immune function and disease
Robison (PD)
09/2022-07/2027
NIAID R01 AI168014
The proposed work will uncover the specific mechanisms by which ΔFosB regulates MC function in vivo as well as the key transcriptional targets of ΔFosB in MCs that may act as molecular handles for therapeutic intervention in MC-related diseases or infection.
Ventral Tegmental Area Neuromedin S Expression and Signaling in Opioid Response
Robison (Co-PI), Mazei-Robison
07/2026-06/2031
NIDA R01 DA066149
The goal of this project is to uncover the role of a novel NMS-expressing subset of dopamine neurons in the VTA in the behavioral and cellular responses to opioids. The Robison lab performs electrophysiology and gene expression experiments on these neurons in mouse models of opioid use disorder.
Epigenetic mechanisms of histone methyltransferase ASH1L in autism spectrum disorder
He (PI), Robison (Co-I)
06/2023-04/2028
NIMH R01 MH130544
To understand the epigenetic mechanisms underlying ASH1L’s function in ASD pathogenesis, we will use an Ash1l-knockout-induced ASD mouse model to examine the function, transcriptome, and epigenome of cortical excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons, and astrocytes in the mouse brain. The Robison lab will contribute electrophysiological and behavioral analyses of ASH1L mutant mice.
Developmental programming of stress-sensitive neural circuits underlying social behavior
Trainor (PI), Robison (Co-I)
04/2024-04/2028
NIMH R01 MH135937
This grant investigates circuit-specific androgen receptor function in development in the California mouse. The Robison lab provides electrophysiological characterization of hippocampal neurons in Peromyscus (California mice) with manipulation of androgen signaling during development.
Developmental programming of stress-sensitive neural circuits underlying social behavior
Shapiro (PI), Robison (Co-I)
05/2025-04/2027
NINDS R21 NS142826
Whole brain, PET-based molecular neuroimaging of fos expression – a new tool for imaging neurocircuitry involved in complex behavior. This project will create innovative PET molecular neuroimaging technique for non-invasively imaging whole brain neurocircuitry in awake mammals, identifying neuronal circuits involved in complex behaviors and cognitive tasks that can be performed outside the confines of an MRI or a PET.