The overarching research goal of the Farhy-Tselnicker (Farhy) lab is to identify the molecular mechanisms of astrocyte-neuron interactions that drive the formation of synapses and circuits underlying behavioral responses. Since synaptic dysfunction is a central feature of numerous neurological disorders, understanding how these cells communicate is critical to enable translational work. We investigate this in rodents using a multilayered approach that combines in vitro cell culture and in vivo AAV-modified or transgenic mouse models, which are analyzed using multi-omics, biochemical, histological, and functional assays. To link the cellular and synaptic mechanisms with behavioral outputs, we utilize a variety of behavioral paradigms to examine visually triggered defensive responses, learning and memory, locomotion and exploration behaviors, and anxiety.