Neural circuits regulating fear learning and anxiety disorders

2015 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 25710003
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (A)
• Allocation Type: Partial Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Neurophysiology / General neuroscience
• Research Institution: Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: Johansen Joshua 国立研究開発法人理化学研究所, 脳科学総合研究センター, チームリーダー (80625351)
• Project Period (FY): 2013-04-01 – 2016-03-31
• Keywords: amygdala / prediction error / fear conditioning

Outline of Final Research Achievements

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.

Free Research Field

Neuroscience