Characterization and modulation of neuronal ensembles involved in reward learning (B05)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 243553651

Motivational behaviour is driven by rewards which can be conditioned to specific cues. The resulting reward-seeking behaviour is essential for executing our daily life activities. We hypothesize that the memorization process that underlies conditioned reward-seeking behaviour involves the formation of a meta-ensemble, namely the interaction of distinct neuronal ensembles that interact together during a reward-seeking task. Our here presented approach will give insight into the function of meta-ensembles and information processing during a complex behavioural task.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1134: Functional ensembles: cellular components, patterned activity and plasticity of co-active neurons in local networks
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit (ZI)
• Project Heads: Dr. Anita Hansson; Privatdozent Dr. Georg Köhr; Professor Dr. Rainer Spanagel