Translational Neuroscience and Psychopathology

We use state-of-the-art brain imaging techniques in humans and animal models to investigate the neural mechanisms involved in emotions, and their role in the development of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

We combine multimodal brain imaging methods to ask questions about the interactions between neurochemistry, neurophysiology and neuroanatomy in the development of psychosis, with a focus on brain circuits involved in how people process and regulate emotions. We use preclinical models to delineate with increased precision the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the human observations, and apply psychopharmacological approaches to probe how to intervene on those mechanisms early to prevent or delay the development of psychosis.