Finding the good in the bad: fear extinction reconceptualized as an appetitive learning process (B01)

• Subject Area: Biological Psychiatry
• Term: from 2016 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 264810226

Fear extinction is a key resilience mechanism that allows optimized stress response regulation. We hypothesize that extinction is an appetitive learning process. Using a translational approach, we will attempt to show that extinction and reward learning are governed by the same neural circuits. In the mouse, we will perform projection-specific calcium recordings, longitudinal calcium imaging and optogenetic manipulations in the dopamine system. In humans, we will use model-based fMRI. We will also test the relationship of extinction to stress resilience and try to develop a cognitive-attentional training to boost extinction.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1193: Neurobiology of Resilience to stress-related mental dysfunction: from understanding mechanisms to promoting prevention
• Applicant Institution: Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
• Project Heads: Dr. Sevil Duvarci; Professor Dr. Raffael Kalisch