Decoding the origins of breathing

infographic on mouse brain stem and breathing control Breathing is driven by a rhythm that arises from the coordinated activity of neurons in the brainstem. This neural network, referred to as a central pattern generators (CPGs), continues to produce respiratory rhythms even when separated from the rest of the brain. Using a combination of electrophysiology, optogenetics, and computational modelling, our lab investigates the specific cell types, their cellular properties, and their network interactions that allow this network to produce rhythm. We hope that unravelling these fundamental mechanisms of respiratory control will establish a necessary foundation for understanding how neurological diseases can cause breathing pathologies.

Other Projects

Identifying neural circuits that integrate breathing with behavior and emotion

We are working to identify the neural circuits and mechanisms that mediate state-dependent control and allow breathing to conditionally dissociate from its underlying automatic regulation.

How endogenous and exogenous opioids affect mechanisms of respiratory control

We are working to understand how the activation of opioid receptors affects breathing, to inspire new therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse OIRD without eliminating the beneficial pain-killing effects of these drugs.