Project A08

Project A08 studies how locomotor behavior is modulated by microglia-induced regulation of dopamine signaling in the striatum. Our recent findings show that ~10-15% of microglia in the striatum express a functional D1 receptor (D1R), suggesting that D1R-expressing striatal microglia might play a critical role in controlling the responses of striatal neurons to dopamine. We aim to unravel how microglia-mediated regulation of dopamine signaling in striatal medium spiny neurons modulates locomotion, reward-based learning, and addiction-driven changes in motor activity. To identify the mechanisms underlying microglia-mediated regulation of medium spiny neurons in response to dopamine, we will combine MERFISH, extra- and intracellular electrophysiological recordings, in vivo calcium-imaging, and behavioral recordings in transgenic behaving mice. This project will advance our understanding of the modulatory role of microglia in shaping motor actions in physiological and pathological conditions.

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