Distinct circuits of the extended amygdala regulating fear generalization and extinction (A03)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2008 to 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 44541416

This project aims at identification of synaptic mechanisms in networks of the "extended" amygdala, involving the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and their role in determining fear and anxiety phenotypes related to unpredictable threat and stress exposure. By combining electrophysiological and optogenetic approaches in genetic mouse models, we will test the hypothesis that the endocannabinoid system via regulation of distinct synaptic connections in this network is causal for fear generalization and impaired fear extinction.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 58: Fear, Anxiety, Anxiety Disorders
• Applicant Institution: Universität Münster
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Hans-Christian Pape