CoPhyBaG

Our team uses a translational approach, from rodents and non-human primates to Parkinsonian patients and drug users, in order to better understand the role of basal ganglia (BG) in cognitive processes, motivation and impulse control disorders. This applies to healthy and pathological conditions such as addiction and impulsive disorders. We use behavioral testing, pharmacology, optogenetic, in vivo and ex-vivo electrophysiology, as well as brain imaging. 

RESEARCH

Our team uses a translational approach, from rodents and non-human primates to Parkinsonian patients and drug users, in order to better understand the role of basal ganglia (BG) in cognitive processes, motivation and impulse control disorders. This applies to healthy and pathological conditions such as addiction and impulsive disorders. 

In mice and non-human primates, our research focusses on the role of striatal cholinergic interneurons and their interactions with the dopaminergic system, using optogenetic, electrophysiology and behavior. In rats, we mostly study the role of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and its cerebral network (cortico-STN pathway notably) in addiction to cocaine or alcohol, using deep brain stimulation (high frequency stimulation) or optogenetic manipulations, electrophysology or fiberphotometry in rats self-administering drug alone or in presence of a peer. 

The clinical approach combines behavior, imaging and electrophysiology. We assess neuronal activity in parkinsonian patients or drug users (psychostimulants or alcohol) and also study the effects of STN DBS on motivation of parkinsonian patients with or without impulse control disorders. 

Our multi-species approach aims at improving our understanding of the basal ganglia fucntioning in motivational and cognitive processes in healthy conditions and in animal models of pathologies and patients.