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Neuronal substrates governing approach/avoidance conflict

Award Number: R01MH144082
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/05/2026
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2031

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Neuronal substrates governing approach/avoidance conflict - Project Summary Many research groups concentrate on elucidating the substrates underlying reward approach or avoidance behaviors, resulting in a wealth of datasets detailing neuronal circuits governing motivation. However, the dynamics of opposing motivational circuits operating during approach/avoidance conflicts remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap is significant, as compromised approach/avoidance behaviors are hallmark features of anxiety, depression, and addiction. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a key mediator of approach/avoidance conflict. Here, we propose to characterize the role of NAc neurons and astrocytes and circuits in influencing approach/avoidance conflict behaviors in mice, using fiber photometry, virally-mediated cellular signal ablation, and optogenetics in mice trained in the platform-mediated avoidance task. In Aim 1, we will characterize how NAc neurons and astrocytes encode approach/avoidance conflict learning and expression with calcium fiber photometry in mice training in the platform-mediated avoidance task. In Aim 2, we will ablate signaling of NAc neurons and astrocytes to probe their role in approach/avoidance conflict learning in mice training in the platform-mediated avoidance task the activity of NAc cell types and circuits during behavioral conflict in platform-mediated avoidance. In Aim 3, we will optogenetically silence NAc neurons and astrocytes to probe their role in approach/avoidance conflict expression in mice training in the platform-mediated avoidance task. Findings from this work will shed light on how NAc mediates approach/avoidance conflict and potentially shed light into the role of NAc in psychiatric disorders involving poor approach/avoidance 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: 2026 ( Subtotal = $706,471 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MEDICAL SCIENCES CAMPUS	B622 MAIN BUILDING FLR 6	SAN JUAN	PR	00935	SAN JUAN	USA	Mental Health Research Grants	000	1	8/6/2026	NEW	$706,471
														Subtotal = $706,471

Grand Total All Awards = $706,471

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Neuronal substrates governing approach/avoidance conflict

Award Number: R01MH144082

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

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

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 08/05/2026

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 04/30/2031

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