Brain

We are interested in understanding how integrins modulate the murine serotonin system using molecular approaches. Because mood disorders are associated with impaired information processing, the association between a cell adhesion receptor (integrin αVβ3) and the major target for antidepressant therapy (the serotonin transporter) reveals a novel pathway influenced by mood disorders. Here we test the hypothesis that integrin αVβ3 is a critical and, as yet, unrecognized determinant of serotonin signaling.

We utilize mice models to understand the pathophysiology of depression, PTSD, anxiety, and autism.