Jane Taylor, Ph.D.

Our basic research program focuses on dysfunction of cortico-limbic-striatal circuits that subserve dysfunctional cognitive control, impulsivity and alterations in reward-related learning with relevance to drug addiction, depression, schizophrenia, and Tourette Syndrome. Our current studies examine how DA/PKA-regulated intracellular signaling and neurotrophin molecules within the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and accumbens contribute to motivation, learning, and memory processes, including memory reconsolidation. Studies in monkeys have found long-lasting deficits in inhibitory control after repeated cocaine exposure and alterations in reward-related learning. We have recently developed a novel corticosterone model of depression and also examine sex differences in attention, motivation, and impulse control in rodents and underlying molecular alterations. Several addictive/abused drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine, PCP, THC, nicotine, and alcohol are examined using drug self-administration models. We use transgenic mouse models, intracerebral infusion techniques, and viral-vector mediated overexpression of targeted proteins in combination with sophisticated behavioral techniques in mice, rats, and monkeys.