Ass. Prof. Sarah Melzer, PhD
Department(s): Division of Neuronal Cell Biology (Center for Brain Research)
Position: Assistant Professor
Location: Spitalgasse 4
Telephone: 40160-34312
E-Mail:
Further information: https://www.melzerlab.org
Download Curriculum vitae (CV)
Research Area:
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms, Neuropeptides, Synaptic Transmission
Research Interests:
Anxiety, Appetitive Behavior, Association Learning, Avoidance Learning, Cerebral Cortex, Cognition, Electrical Synapses, Fear, Interneurons, Memory, Neuropeptides, Prefrontal Cortex, Receptors, Neuropeptide
Principle Investigator(s):
Grant(s):
- Neuronal and Neuropeptidergic Mechanisms for Flexible Control of Learning and Memory (Responsible)
- Neuropeptidergic modulation of synaptic circuits in fear and anxiety (Responsible)
Neuropeptides and Neuronal Circuits
Abstract:
In our new research group at MedUni Vienna, we seek to understand the key molecular and neuronal mechanisms that underlie cognition and emotion. We use a broad range of imaging, recording, genetic and behavioral techniques to understand how neuronal circuits, synaptic transmission and neuromodulation contribute to fear, anxiety, motivation, learning and memory. A special interest of our lab is the investigation of neuropeptides, signaling molecules that alter neuronal physiology, brain circuits and synapses, often in context-dependent manners. Our aim is to discover new functions of these neuropeptidergic modulatory mechanisms.
Techniques:
Fiber photometry, Slice electrophysiology, Behavioral testing, Stereotactic injections, In vitro imaging, CRISPR/Cas9, Optogenetics, Chemogenetics, Immuno-/In situ staining, Pharmacology, Retrograde tracing
Selected Publications:
- Melzer S, Newmark E, Mizuno G, Hyun M, Philson A, Quiroli E, Righetti B, Gregory M, Huang K, Levasseur J, Tian L, Sabatini B (2021) Bombesin-like peptide recruits disinhibitory cortical circuits and enhances fear memories Cell, 184 (22): 5622-5634.e25
- Melzer S, Monyer H (2020) Diversity and function of corticopetal and corticofugal GABAergic projection neurons Nat. Rev. Neurosci., 21 (9): 499-515
- Melzer S, Gil M, Koser D, Michael M, Huang K, Monyer H (2017) Distinct Corticostriatal GABAergic Neurons Modulate Striatal Output Neurons and Motor Activity Cell Rep, 19 (5): 1045-1055
- Leitner F, Melzer S, Lütcke H, Pinna R, Seeburg P, Helmchen F, Monyer H (2016) Spatially segregated feedforward and feedback neurons support differential odor processing in the lateral entorhinal cortex Nature Neurosci, 19 (7): 935-944
- Melzer S, Michael M, Caputi A, Eliava M, Fuchs E, Whittington M, Monyer H (2012) Long-Range–Projecting GABAergic Neurons Modulate Inhibition in Hippocampus and Entorhinal Cortex Science, 335 (6075): 1506-1510