Research Interests
Embedded Files
Kim et al., 2008, Amygdala - Fear memory
Kim et al., 2011, Nucleus accumbens – Cocaine addiction
Kim et al., 2014, Barrel and visual cortices – Sensory perception
Kim et al., 2016, Claustrum – Sensory information processing
Kim et al., 2017, Motor cortex - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Liu et al., 2017, Hypothalamus – Sleep regulation
Frandoliig et al., 2019, Visual cortex – Sensory perception
Yoo et al., 2021, Hypothalamus – Hypothalamic neurogenesis
Kim et al., 2022, Hippocampus and amygdala – Gut-Brain axis
Hong et al., 2024, Visual cortex – Feature selectivity
Intrinsic excitability and synaptic activities of neurons are precisely regulated for normal brain functions. Disease-associated genetic mutations or environmental factors can change the tight regulation of neuronal activity and contribute to pathogenesis in brain disorders. We aim to understand how multiple different types of excitatory and inhibitory neurons form and maintain their normal synaptic networks and how their excitability and synaptic activity changes in pathological conditions. To perform this research, we utilize a wide range of techniques including molecular and biochemical methods, optogenetics-based multiple whole-cell patch-clamp recordings on acute brain slices, stereotaxic brain surgery, and behavioral analysis.
Abnormalities in the synaptic organization of excitatory and inhibitory neurons and their activities have been identified in various brain disorders. We are interested in the circuit mechanisms responsible for excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) circuit dysfunctions and behavioral abnormalities observed in mental disorders including autism-spectrum disorders, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. We also study whether and how the cortical and subcortical structures change their cellular function and circuit dynamics in drug addiction or psychedelic treatment. Last, we aim to study physiology and pathology of the rewarding circuits responsible for normal sexual behaviors and compulsive/addictive sexual behaviors.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse