GABA interneurons as mediators of cognitive flexibility (B05)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2008 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 36555331

We aim to determine the role of specific GABAergic interneuron populations in hippocampus and frontal cortex in the adaptive modification of motivated behaviors. We will examine (1) the activation of interneurons during reversal learning and strategy shifting with established molecular and anatomical methods and (2) probe their relevance for specific aspects of motivated behavior, such as context specificity, with pharmacogenetic tools. By (3) examining network activity patterns in slice preparations and in vivo we will address the cellular mechanisms of GABA-mediated network adaptation and their contribution to interactions between hippocampus and frontal cortex supporting cognitive flexibility.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 779: Neurobiology of Motivated Behaviour
• Applicant Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
• Project Heads: Privatdozent Dr. Rüdiger Linke, until 12/2015; Professor Dr. Herbert Schwegler, until 12/2015; Professor Dr. Oliver Stork