Exploring neural circuits that shape adaptive behavior
Our lab aims to uncover the principles of Neurobiological Intelligence by investigating the neural dynamics of cells and circuits. We quantitatively analyze how organisms perceive their environment and internal states, encode and retrieve memories, and make flexible decisions in changing situations. By examining these adaptive processes at cellular and circuit levels, we seek a mechanistic understanding of how intelligence emerges from the biology of the brain.
1. Navigating with Memory: Circuit Mechanisms of Goal-Directed Behavior
We explore how animals navigate complex environments by leveraging past experiences. Through behaviorally grounded paradigms and neural circuit analysis, we examine how spatial memories are encoded, stored, and retrieved to guide decisions. We investigate how motivational states and goals dynamically shape memory-guided navigation at both the cellular and systems levels.
- Dopamine-mediated formation of a memory module in the nucleus accumbens for goal-directed navigation Jung K*, Krüssel S, et al. · Nat Neurosci (2024)
- An adaptive behavioral control motif mediated by cortical axo-axonic inhibition Jung K, Chang M, et al. · Nat Neurosci (2023)
- Nucleus accumbens shell moderates preference bias during voluntary choice behavior Jang H#, Jung K#, et al. · Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci (2017)
- A Computational Model of Attention Control in Multi-Attribute, Context-Dependent Decision Making Jung K#, Jeong J, Kralik JD · Front Comput Neurosci (2019)
- Bursts and heavy tails in temporal and sequential dynamics of foraging decisions Jung K, Jang H, et al. · PLoS Comput Biol (2014)
- Get it while it's hot: a peak-first bias in self-generated choice order in rhesus macaques Jung K, Kralik JD · PLoS One (2013)
2. Real-Time Insights into Memory: Decoding Neural Dynamics In Vivo
Using advanced in vivo neurophysiological methods—including multi-color biosensor imaging, electrophysiology, and cell-type/circuit-specific manipulation—we study the real-time dynamics of memory formation and recall. Our work maps spatiotemporal signatures of memory traces and examines how these patterns adapt with learning, context, and behavioral relevance.
- Real-time visualization of structural dynamics of synapses in live cells in vivo Son S#, Nagahama K#, Lee J#, Jung K#, et al. · Nat Methods (2024)
- Neural circuitry for maternal oxytocin release induced by infant cries Valtcheva S#, Issa HA#, ..., Jung K, et al. · Nature (2023)
- Intensiometric biosensors visualize the activity of multiple small GTPases in vivo Kim J#, Lee S#, Jung K#, et al. · Nat Commun (2019)
3. Modulators of Memory: Neuromodulatory Control of Adaptive Behavior
We investigate how neuromodulators—such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—regulate memory circuits that support goal-directed behavior. By examining their cell-type-specific computations and state-dependent signaling, we uncover how internal states like motivation and arousal modulate neural activity to guide behavior.
- Dopamine-mediated formation of a memory module in the nucleus accumbens for goal-directed navigation Jung K*, Krüssel S, et al. · Nat Neurosci (2024)
- Cortical control of chandelier cells in neural codes Jung K#, Choi Y#, Kwon HB · Front Cell Neurosci (2022)
- Dysregulation of the mesoprefrontal dopamine circuit mediates an early-life stress-induced synaptic imbalance in the prefrontal cortex Oh WC, ..., Jung K, et al. · Cell Rep (2021)
4. Precision Tools for the Brain: Engineering to Dissect Memory Circuits
We develop novel optical and molecular tools to probe and manipulate memory circuits with high temporal and spatial precision. From activity/ligand-dependent labeling techniques to genetically encoded actuators, our technologies enable causal dissection of memory circuits during adaptive behavior in freely moving animals.
- Real-time visualization of structural dynamics of synapses in live cells in vivo Son S#, Nagahama K#, Lee J#, Jung K#, et al. · Nat Methods (2024) · Synapshot
- A calcium- and light-gated switch to induce gene expression in activated neurons Lee D#, Hyun JH#, Jung K, et al. · Nat Biotechnol (2017) · Cal-Light
- Temporally precise labeling and control of neuromodulatory circuits in the mammalian brain Lee D#, Creed M#, Jung K#, et al. · Nat Methods (2017) · iTango
- Intensiometric biosensors visualize the activity of multiple small GTPases in vivo Kim J#, Lee S#, Jung K#, et al. · Nat Commun (2019)
