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

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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

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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

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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.