Welcome to the Luján lab
RESEARCH
Our laboratory aims to advance the understanding of how discrete neurobiological dynamics give rise to both adaptive and maladaptive psychological processes. We use data-driven tools to investigate the intersection between cellular, network, and organismal levels of analysis in behaving rodents. Our research focuses on how different neuromodulatory systems—including dopamine, endocannabinoids, and oxytocin—support motivated behavior and learning, with a particular interest on substance use disorders.
OUR VISION
Our lab is built on a foundation of intellectual discussion, mutual support, creativity, and integrity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment where every team member receives personalized mentorship and is empowered to shape their own scientific ideas and projects. We value rigorous, innovative, and hypothesis-driven research, and believe that a supportive culture is essential for scientific breakthrough.
“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence”
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
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Luján*✉ MÁ, Young-Morrison* R, Aroni S, Katona I, Melis M, & Cheer✉ JF (2024). Science Advances, 10(45), 5652. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adq5652
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Luján* MÁ, Covey* DP, Young-Morrison R, Zhang L, Kim A, Morgado F, Patel S, Bass CE, Paladini C & Cheer, JF (2023). Nature Communications, 14(1), 7545. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-43131-3
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Luján MÁ, Oliver BL, Young-Morrison R, Engi SA, Zhang LY, Wenzel JM, Li Y, Zlebnik NE & Cheer J F (2023). Cell Reports, 42(6), 112553. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112553
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Luján, MÁ, Castro-Zavala A, Alegre-Zurano L & Valverde O (2018). Neuropharmacology, 143, 163–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.043