Research Project
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
In our work on this grant we’ve identified a specific neural circuit which provides negative feedback to inhibit aversive shock processing when it is predicted by other sensory cues in the environment. Furthermore, we demonstrated function for this circuit in setting behavioral learning levels or asymptotes. Optogenetically inhibiting this feedback circuit disinhibited prediction error coding in lateral amygdala neurons which store fear memories resulting in exaggerated fear learning levels. Together this work reveals a distributed circuit mechanism for setting prediction error coding and fear memory strength. Prediction error coding is a ubiquitous neural coding mechanism in many learning circuits including those involved in reward and motor learning. This could represent a general feature of how prediction errors are encoded in the nervous system. Disruption of this feedback circuit could underlie anxiety disorders that are characterized by exaggerated aversive learning.
All 2016 2015 2014 2013 Other
All Journal Article (7 results) (of which Int'l Joint Research: 3 results, Peer Reviewed: 6 results, Acknowledgement Compliant: 4 results, Open Access: 3 results) Presentation (24 results) (of which Int'l Joint Research: 1 results, Invited: 22 results) Remarks (1 results)
Nature Neuroscience
Volume: In press Issue: 7 Pages: 965-972
10.1038/nn.4308
Pain
Volume: 157(1) Issue: 1 Pages: 166-173
10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000344
Learning & Memory
Volume: 22 Issue: 9 Pages: 444-451
10.1101/lm.037283.114
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Volume: 111(51)
Volume: 17(12) Pages: 1644-54
Current Biology
Volume: 24 (15)
Nature
Volume: 496 Issue: 7444 Pages: 174-175
10.1038/nature12087
http://jlab.brain.riken.jp/
