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Neural Circuits Balancing Reward-Approaching with Threat-Avoidance

Award Number: R01MH120136
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/15/2020
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2025

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Neural Circuits Balancing Reward-Approaching with Threat-Avoidance - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Although significant advances have been made in elucidating the structures that regulate fear and food- seeking responses in isolation, the neural circuits and mechanisms that integrate both behavioral responses remain poorly understood. Previous studies have shown that the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is interconnected with areas of the brain implicated in the control of fear and food-seeking responses. We have recently shown that neurons in the anterior part of PVT (aPVT) respond differently to aversive and rewarding stimuli, suggesting that this region may be part of a core neural network that integrates fear and food-seeking responses. Using an experimental approach in which rats need to overcome their fear of predator cues in order to search for food, in Aim 1 we will identify potential inputs that convey predator threat and food reward information to aPVT neurons by using a combination of neural tracers, immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiological recordings in vitro. In Aim 2, we will use optogenetics and single-unit recordings to manipulate and record from aPVT-projecting neurons during the predator threat vs. food-seeking conflict test. We will then correlate neural activity with distinct behavioral responses. In Aim 3, we will record from specific subsets of aPVT neurons while chemogenetically manipulating input regions that transmit threat- and food- related information to aPVT neurons. The experiments proposed in these three aims will provide insights into elucidating the competing demands of avoiding threats and approaching rewards, which may have clinical relevance for understanding adaptive and motivated behaviors.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $561,783 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON	7000 FANNIN ST FL 9	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	001	5	8/14/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$56,178
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON	7000 FANNIN ST FL 9	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	5	2/16/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$505,605
														Subtotal = $561,783

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $561,783 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON, THE	7000 FANNIN ST	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	4	3/2/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$561,783
														Subtotal = $561,783

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $561,783 )
2022	2022	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON, THE	7000 FANNIN ST	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	001	3	5/23/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$56,181
2022	2022	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON, THE	7000 FANNIN ST	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	3	2/24/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$505,602
														Subtotal = $561,783

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $561,783 )
2021	2021	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON, THE	7000 FANNIN ST	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	2	3/12/2021	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$561,783
														Subtotal = $561,783

Issue Date FY: 2020 ( Subtotal = $588,220 )
2020	2020	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON, THE	7000 FANNIN ST	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	1	4/15/2020	NEW	$582,403
2020	2020	UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT HOUSTON, THE	7000 FANNIN ST	HOUSTON	TX	77030	HARRIS	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	001	1	5/7/2020	NEW	$5,817
														Subtotal = $588,220

Grand Total All Awards = $2,835,352

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Neural Circuits Balancing Reward-Approaching with Threat-Avoidance

Award Number: R01MH120136

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/15/2020

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2025

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