Sensory information reaching the brain is processed by region-restricted neural networks leading to learning and adaptation to a constantly changing environment. Recent studies have elucidated some of the general molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory;however, it becomes increasingly clear that there are gene networks that uniquely position key neural circuits to control specialized behaviors. The long-term goal of this work is to systematically characterize how gene regulatory networks control neural circuits dedicated to learned fear. More specifically, this proposal is focused on a gene, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), that this laboratory has previously identified as expressed in the neural circuits specifically involved in processing fear- related conditioned stimulus (CS) information. Recently published work from this laboratory suggests that GRP and neuronal circuits that express GRP have an important role in fear memory. The hypothesis will be tested that GRPergic neural circuitry is involved in unimodal and multimodal types of fear memory. A multidisciplinary approach that combines mammalian genetics, behavior and electrophysiology will be used to address the following Specific Aims.
Aim 1 will ask whether GRP in the amygdala regulates fear memory. GRP knockout mice will be analyzed in amygdala synaptic plasticity and memory in fear conditioning. The anatomic site of GRP function will be examined by GRP administration in the amygdala of the GRP knockout mice.
Aim 2 will ask whether selective elimination of the GRPergic neurons in two different areas of the amygdala differentially affects unimodal and multimodal memories of fear.
Aim 3 will ask whether there are two GRP expressing neural microcircuits in the amygdala processing differentially unimodal and multimodal fear memories. GRP and GRPR can be used to develop drugs, targeting neural circuits dedicated to fear and anxiety, and thus more effective interventions can be envisioned that lack side effects.

Public Health Relevance

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) may be used to design drugs for the selective regulation of learned fear- related behaviors. Moreover, GRP knockout mice can be used to study how memory of fear is involved in borderline personality disorder, PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01MH080328-01A2
Application #
7728697
Study Section
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Study Section (LAM)
Program Officer
Vicentic, Aleksandra
Project Start
2009-08-11
Project End
2011-07-31
Budget Start
2009-08-11
Budget End
2010-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$576,202
Indirect Cost
Name
Rutgers University
Department
Genetics
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
001912864
City
New Brunswick
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
08901
Martel, Guillaume; Uchida, Shusaku; Hevi, Charles et al. (2016) Genetic Demonstration of a Role for Stathmin in Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis, Spinogenesis, and NMDA Receptor-Dependent Memory. J Neurosci 36:1185-202
Uchida, Shusaku; Shumyatsky, Gleb P (2015) Deceivingly dynamic: Learning-dependent changes in stathmin and microtubules. Neurobiol Learn Mem 124:52-61
Uchida, Shusaku; Martel, Guillaume; Pavlowsky, Alice et al. (2014) Learning-induced and stathmin-dependent changes in microtubule stability are critical for memory and disrupted in ageing. Nat Commun 5:4389
Martel, Guillaume; Hevi, Charles; Wong, Alexandra et al. (2012) Murine GRPR and stathmin control in opposite directions both cued fear extinction and neural activities of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. PLoS One 7:e30942
Cho, Jun-Hyeong; Zushida, Ko; Shumyatsky, Gleb P et al. (2012) Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide induces postsynaptically expressed potentiation in the intra-amygdala circuit. J Neurosci 32:14165-77
Martel, Guillaume; Hevi, Charles; Kane-Goldsmith, Noriko et al. (2011) Zinc transporter ZnT3 is involved in memory dependent on the hippocampus and perirhinal cortex. Behav Brain Res 223:233-8