University of California-San Francisco · NeuroscienceThe Pain and Emotion Lab
Elyssa Margolis · San Francisco, California
Research Focus
Dr. Elyssa Margolis' lab at UCSF focuses on understanding how specific brain circuits influence pain perception and its emotional aspects, particularly in the context of chronic pain and depression. The lab investigates the lateral habenula, a brain region involved in both sensory pain and mood disorders. By studying how this area connects to other brain structures, the lab aims to identify potential new therapies for alleviating both pain and the emotional distress that often accompanies it.
pain perceptionchronic paindepressionlateral habenulaneuropathic painneural circuitsbehavioral modelsdeep brain stimulationtherapeutic targets
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the neural circuits linking the lateral habenula to pain processing.
AIM 02Examine the relationship between pain perception and depressive behaviors.
AIM 03Identify specific neuron populations involved in sensory and affective responses to pain.
AIM 04Analyze the effects of targeted circuit modulation in behavioral models of chronic pain and depression.
AIM 05Explore potential therapeutic applications for pain and depression by manipulating these brain circuits.
Skills the Lab Values
animal modelselectrophysiologyanatomical tracingbehavioral assayssurgery (rodent)optogeneticsimmunohistochemistrydata analysis using PythonWestern blotting
Output against the department
Publications65bottom 17% of dept.556th of 671
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations6.6kbottom 46% of dept.362nd of 671
this lab
most citedleast cited
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