Presentation description

This project focuses on the neural circuitry that modulates social and aggressive behaviors. The targeted brain region for the project was the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST). The BNST is a neurochemically diverse node of the extended amygdala and has roles in modulating social and aggressive behavior. We targeted two cell types (CRH and Tac2) which have both been tied to anxiety and aggression. We used optogenetics to activate these neurons and observed resulting changes in behavior.