Research

Our overall research interests are in the brain circuits that modulate movement and how these circuits degenerate in diseases such as Parkinson's Disease.

We will use two-photon imaging and spatially-specific optogenetic manipulations to test synaptic connections and the integrative properties of dendrites within the basal ganglia nuclei.

Neurodegeneration appears to progress from one brain structure to another during the course of the disease. We are investigating the brain circuitry which is altered in the early stages Parkinson's Disease with the aim of finding a way to slow or stop disease progression.

The pedunculopontine nucleus, a structure that degenerates in Parkinson's Disease, is interconnected with basal ganglia circuitry and contributes to the modulation of movement. We will functionally map the subtypes of neurons within this structure to define motion-promoting and motion-inhibiting circuitry.

Although its addictive properties are well known, exposure to nicotine has some surprising additional consequences. Acute nicotine alters sensory gating properties which may affect the symptoms of schizophrenia, while chronic nicotine has protective effects in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's Disease. We will investigate the effects of both acute and chronic nicotine on sensory gating circuitry and the circuitry which degenerates in Parkinson's Disease.

Presentations from Dr. Evans and members of the lab.