Susanna Molas

  • Assistant Professor
  • INSTITUTE FOR BEHAVIORAL GENETICS
  • PSYCHOLOGY & NEUROSCIENCE
Dr. Molas is recruiting new students for a fall 2027 start date

Applications are typically due mid November; for exact dates please check the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience webpage, if you intend to work with Dr. Molas. Additional information is available on IBG's Prospective Students page.

Contact Dr. Molas directly about postdoctoral trainee positions.

Additional Resources:

Current CV

Lab Website

 

Molas Current Lab

Publications

Molas Highlighted Publications

Interpeduncular GABAergic neuron function controls threat processing and innate defensive adaptive learning

This work identifies novel neuronal circuits that govern adaptation to natural threats, with significant implications for neuropsychiatric conditions involving impaired threat processing.

Dopamine control of social novelty preference is constrained by an interpeduncular-tegmentum circuit

We identify selective patterns of mesolimbic dopamine (DA) activity associated with novel and familiar social interactions. We reveal opposite patterns of activity in GABAergic neurons of the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). Through viral tracing and recordings we found the IPN controls DA release via the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus.

(Nature Communications, 2024)

A neuronal coping mechanism linking stress-induced anxiety to motivation for reward

In this work we identify GABAergic neurons in the interpeduncular nucleus of the midbrain involved in stress-induced coping behaviors.

(Science Advances, 2023)

 

Viral Tracing Confirms Paranigral Ventral Tegmental Area Dopaminergic Inputs to the Interpeduncular Nucleus Where Dopamine Release Encodes Motivated Exploration

Synaptic tracing confirms dopamine (DA) input from the ventral tegmental area paranigral area innervating the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) of the midbrain. In vivo IPN DA neurotransmission correlates with behavioral measures of motivated exploratory behavior.

(eNeuro, 2023)

Dynamic activity of interpeduncular nucleus GABAergic neurons controls expression of nicotine withdrawal in male mice

This work provides a neuronal basis underlying the role of the interpeduncular nucleus of the midbrain in the expression of somatic and affective behaviors of nicotine withdrawal.
 
(Neuropsychopharmacology, 2022)

Midbrain Dopamine Controls Anxiety-like Behavior by Engaging Unique Interpeduncular Nucleus Microcircuitry

These data identifies circuits and transcriptional profiling of midbrain neurons regulating anxiety-like behavior in baseline and during nicotine withdrawal conditions.

(Biological Psychiatry, 2020)