Research Group Leader | Bolton Lab, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience

Insights into the circuitry of the brain.

Dr. McLean Bolton investigates disorders of neural circuit function. Building on post-graduate work developing screening platforms for neurological disorders, her goal is to gain understanding on how neural circuits are altered in complex behavioral disorders like autism and schizophrenia.

The amygdala is central to the establishment of emotional significance and the storage of fear memories. Dr. McLean Bolton studies the neurons within the amygdala that process stimuli, mainly in context ofconditions like autism and schizophrenia.

The Intercalated clusters (ITC’s) are inhibitory neurons that surround the amygdala and act as “gatekeepers to the amygdala.” Her research revealed that one group of neurons, the apical intercalated cell clusters (apITCs), integrate sensory information from the thalamus and other cortical areas to gate information flow to the lateral amygdala.

This insight could aid in the development of groundbreaking therapies for those suffering with anxiety or fear related neural circuitry disorders.

The amygdala is central to the establishment of emotional significance and the storage of fear memories. Dr. McLean Bolton studies the neurons within the amygdala that process stimuli, mainly in context ofconditions like autism and schizophrenia.

The Intercalated clusters (ITC’s) are inhibitory neurons that surround the amygdala and act as “gatekeepers to the amygdala.” Her research revealed that one group of neurons, the apical intercalated cell clusters (apITCs), integrate sensory information from the thalamus and other cortical areas to gate information flow to the lateral amygdala.

This insight could aid in the development of groundbreaking therapies for those suffering with anxiety or fear related neural circuitry disorders.

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• The amygdala conveys emotions to the brain regions that control fight or flight responses. Here we see connections between inhibitory somatostatin neurons onto each other and distant targets.
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• This image shows a synapse of an ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) model, where Dr. Bolton and team have been able to quantify the receptors with freeze frame Electro-Microscopy.
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Comparing brain circuit defects across models of ASD may help

target treatments to key neurons or synapses.

Endocannabinoids are neuromodulators that regulate decision making and emotion. The brain releases them in precise doses in response to various stimuli. But the THC in marijuana overtakes the endocannabinoidsystem (ECS).

Evidence shows that the ECS may be altered in people suffering from PTSD and schizophrenia. Combining knockout models of candidate schizophrenia susceptibility genes, and adolescent exposure to THC, Dr. Bolton is studying how genes and THC use in adolescents may interact to increase incidence of psychiatric disorders.

Bolton’s research into interaction between the ECS, THC use, and emotion modulation will expand awareness around what contributes to the neural circuit imbalances and possible treatments.

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