Our lab Integrative Neurobiology of Cholinergic System investigates, through combined approaches from molecular and cellular biology to behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, the role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in a set of neurobiological functions, notably in the context of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases.
We are currently studying the contribution of nAChRs to addiction-like processes, using drug self-administration procedures in transgenic rats that we have recently generated in the lab. We now aim at pursuing our projects by combining the use of DREADD technology and touch-screen cognitive testing to these approaches, in order to further decipher the mechanisms underlying cholinergic modulation of processes implicated in addiction, as well as in addiction and schizophrenia co-morbidity.
In this context, we are looking for postdoc candidates for grant applications, with significant expertise in rat behavioral testing, DREADD technology and/or touchscreen cognitive testing.
Please contact Morgane Besson. email : morgane.besson@pasteur.fr