RESEARCH
BASAL GANGLIA OUTPUTS THAT SUPPORT GOAL-DIRECTED BEHAVIOUR
Our recent work has shown that two different output nuclei of the basal ganglia play distinct roles in prediction. The first, the ventral pallidum (VP), contains separate classes of neurons that predict the appetitive or aversive value of stimuli and is critical for motivated behaviour (Stephenson-Jones et al., Neuron, 2020). The second, the habenula-projecting globus pallidus (GPh), is a key site where prediction errors are calculated and is essential for reinforcement learning (Stephenson-Jones et al., Nature, 2016). In one set of projects our aim is to create a comprehensive account of the computations that additional basal ganglia output nuclei perform. In this way we aspire to map the principle types of information that are being extracted by these nuclei to support purposive action.
CIRCUIT BASIS FOR ASSOCIATIVE LEARNING
From the unconscious reach for a morning coffee to the careful planning of an unfamiliar route, our behaviour blends flexible, goal-directed actions with efficient habitual routines. Understanding how the brain learns and implements these two strategies is a central challenge of the lab. We aim to identify the specific cell types, circuits, and mechanisms that underlie each. In particular, we recently discovered distinct value-based and movement-based dopaminergic teaching signals could drive the learning of goal-directed and habitual behaviour (Greenstreet et al., Nature, 2025).
ROLE OF SLEEP IN LEARNING AND MEMORY
Sleep plays a fundamental role in all forms of learning and memory formation, but why? We are studying the mechanisms of sleep-dependent memory consolidation to understand how the brain decides what to consolidate, what to change and why. To answer these questions we use a combination of sophisticated unsupervised algorithms, high density electrophysiological recordings and molecular tools to identify which neurons and patterns of activity are prioritised for sleep dependant changes and determine how these changes lead to adjustments in behaviour.
METHODS
The lab uses a wide range of technical approaches; two-photon calcium imaging, fiber photometry, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, intersectional viral labelling strategies and novel behavioural assays.
HIGH DENSITY SILICON PROBE RECORDINGS
FUNDING
