Rui Peixoto, PhD

Cortex and basal ganglia are reciprocally interconnected and regulate fundamental aspects of emotional, cognitive and motor control. In recent years multiple lines of evidence have implicated corticostriatal dysfunction in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, despite its critical role in regulating higher brain functions the development of corticostriatal circuits remains poorly understood. Our lab then focuses on understanding these questions: What are the molecular and activity-dependent mechanisms underlying the development and maturation of basal ganglia circuits? How does early basal ganglia activity influences the development of cortical circuits and contributes for the establishment of adult patterns of behavior? And how are these developmental processes altered in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism? To address these we employ a multi-disciplinary research program combining biochemistry, genetics, and ex vivo and in vivo electrophysiology and 2-photon microscopy. This integrative approach will advance our understanding of how innate and activity-dependent factors coordinate the formation of subcortical circuits and identify potential common pathophysiological mechanisms associated with ASD.