The Neural Mechanisms of Extinction learning (A04)

• Subject Area: Cognitive, Systems and Behavioural Neurobiology
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 316803389

In this project, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms underlying extinction learning spatial appetitive extinction learning. We are particularly interested in establishing to what extent overlapping, or distinct populations of neurones encode acquisition of an original spatial task, extinction learning of this task or renewal of the previously learned experience. Our focus is on the differentiation of consolidation and generalisation processes. We shall use electrophysiological magnetic resonance imaging, cellular imaging and wide-field calcium imaging to scrutinise somatic, cellular, network and transregional elements of these processes. We shall specifically scrutinise the hippocampus, its role in spatial appetitive extinction learning and its interactions with extrahippocampal structures at the cortical and subcortical levels.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1280: Extinction Learning
• Applicant Institution: Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Denise Manahan-Vaughan