Parceling out the sites and mechanisms of reward-, relief- and safety-memories in Drosophila (B11)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells ; Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: from 2012 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 36555331

The dichotomy of search/approach versus escape/avoidance is fundamental to motivated behaviour. We study how six different kinds of memory modulate this balance. This is of translational importance as they define independent opportunities for interference. There can be three different kinds of memory for learned approach: animals and man alike approach a cue if it predicts i) reward, ii) relief from shock, or iii) shock-absence. In turn, learned avoidance can be based on memories predicting iv) shock, v) loss of reward, or vi) absence of reward. We study the organization of these six processes in Drosophila, focussing on the evolutionarily conserved Synapsin protein, and the mushroom body, a "cortical" brain region of insects.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 779: Neurobiology of Motivated Behaviour
• Applicant Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Universität Leipzig
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Bertram Gerber