2013 Fiscal Year Annual Research Report
Neural circuits regulating fear learning and anxiety disorders
| Project/Area Number |
25710003
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
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| Research Institution | Institute of Physical and Chemical Research |
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Principal Investigator |
JOHANSEN JOSHUA 独立行政法人理化学研究所, 脳科学総合研究センター, チームリーダー (80625351)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2013-04-01 – 2015-03-31
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| Keywords | memory strength / fear / emotion / enxiety disorders / prediction error / amygdala / periaqueductal gray / learning |
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| Research Abstract |
In Heisei 25 we have made progress in understanding how fear memories are triggered and the strength of these memories is set. We found that fear learning levels reach an asymptote which is dependent on the strength of the aversive outcome and that activation of lateral amygdala (LA) pyramidal cells is sufficient to increase this asymptote. In addition, we discovered that at a specific memory strength, increasing the intensity of the expected aversive outcome resulted in reengagement of prediction error coding in LA neurons and this was necessary to increase fear learning levels. Finally, we found that inhibiting periaqueductal gray (PAG) neurons during aversive outcomes reduces fear memory formation.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
We have made progress as planned thus far.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
In Heisei 26 we will continue work in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) and determine the effect of optogenetically manipulating PAG neurons on prediction error coding in lateral amygdala (LA) neurons. In addition, we will use a retrograde viral approach to examine the contribution of input neurons in the hypothalamus and/or central nucleus of the amygdala to setting fear learning asymptotes. Finally, we will examine the effect of these manipulations on prediction error coding in PAG and LA neurons.
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| Expenditure Plans for the Next FY Research Funding |
Ｗe needed to rollover money from the previous fiscal year because we focused more on optogenetic behavioral experiments in Heisei 25 and waited to do most of the physiology until Heisei 26. The physiological experiments are a bit more expensive and so we wanted to rollover some money into Heisei 26 to cover those costs.
We will spend the money on optogenetic behavioral and in-vivo electrophysiological experiments related to this grant.
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