BREATHE T32 alumnus, Dr. Adrienn Varga has joined the Department of Neuroscience as their newest Assistant Professor. Dr. Varga’s research focuses on determining the cellular, circuit, and network-level mechanisms whereby respiratory control neurons in the brainstem interact with central circuits to shape each breath. Current projects are focusing on a neural pathway that her lab recently discovered between the locus coeruleus and pontine respiratory group, that may be pivotal in understanding state-dependent influences on breathing. Her lab uses whole-cell patch clamp recordings and optogenetics for functional circuit mapping, and to elucidate cell-type specific synaptic signaling in respiratory circuits. To link synaptic function and neural activity to breathing behaviors, they use the in situ working heart-brainstem preparation of the mouse, as well as fiber photometry combined with optical methods and synchronous whole-body plethysmography in awake mice. Congratulations on your new appointment, Dr. Varga!
