University of Chicago · BiologySheffield Fear Lab
Mark E J Sheffield · Chicago, Illinois
Research Focus
Dr. Mark Sheffield's research lab focuses on understanding the brain mechanisms behind fear memories, particularly in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His team investigates how specific brain regions communicate to suppress fearful memories and aid in the extinction process, helping to provide insights that could lead to better treatments for PTSD. Utilizing advanced techniques like virtual reality and two-photon microscopy, they explore the interactions between the thalamus and hippocampus, key areas involved in memory processing.
PTSDfear memoryhippocampusthalamusextinction learningvirtual reality2-photon microscopyoptogeneticsbrain circuits
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the roles of the Nucleus Reuniens in fear memory suppression
AIM 02Examine how the thalamic-hippocampal pathway contributes to extinction learning
AIM 03Analyze hippocampal dynamics during memory retrieval
AIM 04Utilize advanced imaging techniques to map neuronal activity
AIM 05Develop potential therapeutic strategies for PTSD based on findings.
Skills the Lab Values
2-photon microscopyoptogeneticsmouse modelsvirtual realitybehavioral assaysimmunohistochemistrydata analysis with MATLABsurgical techniquesanimal training protocols
Output against the department
Publications56bottom 14% of dept.891st of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations1.4kbottom 8% of dept.948th of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.