RESEARCH

The Nautiyal Lab studies the neural basis of impulsive behavior, which is characterized by acting on a whim or difficulty delaying gratification. It is a key component in many every-day behaviors such as making healthy eating choices or saving for retirement. Dysregulated impulsivity plays a major role in a number of psychiatric disorders including ADHD, binge eating, substance use disorders, and behavioral addictions. Our lab uses a number of neurobiological and behavioral approaches in our research focused on the serotonergic modulation of the neural circuits that contribute to the regulation of impulsive behavior.

GENETIC LOSS-OF-FUNCTION MODELS

Using transgenic mouse lines and viral-vector induced loss-of-function manipulations, we investigate the effect of serotonin signaling on impulsive behavior and the underlying neural circuits.

BEHAVIOR

Our lab is focused on the careful analysis of behavior in rodent models. We use instrumental behavior paradigms to measure a number of different facets of impulsive and reward-related behavior.

IN VIVO CALCIUM IMAGING

Using state-of-the-art technology, we can visualize the activity of large populations of neurons at the single-cell level, in awake behaving mice. We use miniature microendoscopes which allow us to view fluorescence emitted from a GFP-fused calcium indicator.