Amygdala circuits and control of feeding by learned cues

描述（由申请人提供）：本申请研究计划下的工作将扩展我们对神经系统的理解，通过神经系统，来自环境的信号控制进食行为，同时也为申请人Gorica Petrovich博士发展成为一名独立研究者的潜力。拟议的研究建立在这样的证据之上，即食物消费可以被习得的线索所改变，这种线索是基于通过与奖励或厌恶事件的联系而获得的动机价值。彼得罗维奇博士将行为和神经系统分析相结合，提出要确定大脑中哪些回路能够让人学习调节饮食，包括杏仁核复合体和相关的前脑系统。描绘通过环境信号控制食物消耗所需的大脑系统，是开发动物模型的必要的第一步，在动物模型中，可以更好地研究控制摄食行为及其相关疾病的因素。在这些实验中，彼得罗维奇博士将扩展她在神经系统方面的技术专长，并利用一系列学习范式建立行为理论和实证研究的基础。加拉格尔博士（她的赞助人），以及。彼得·霍兰德和蒂姆·莫兰将监督她在该奖项下的发展，朝着成为一名多产的独立科学家和学术教员的目标迈进。导师职业奖还将使申请人对临床状况有更全面的了解，例如饮食失调；她的基础研究与此相关。约翰霍普金斯大学的环境特别适合申请人的培训，在神经科学领域的基础研究和临床领域都有很强的影响力。申请人可获得所建议的研究所需的所有设施，包括专用办公室和研究空间。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The work under the research plan in this application will extend our understanding of neural systems through which signals from the environment control feeding behavior, while also developing the potential for the applicant, Dr. Gorica Petrovich, to become an independent investigator. The proposed research builds on evidence that food consumption can be modified by learned cues, based on motivational value acquired through association with either rewarding or aversive events. Applying a combination of behavioral and neural systems analysis, Dr. Petrovich proposes to determine the exact brain circuits that allow learning to modulate eating, including the amygdala complex and related forebrain systems. Delineating the brain systems needed for control of food consumption by environmental signals, is a necessary first step toward development of animal models in which factors that control feeding behavior and its associated disorders can be better studied. In these experiments, Dr. Petrovich will extend her technical expertise in neuronal systems and build on a foundation of behavioral theory and empirical studies using a range of learning paradigms. Dr. Gallagher (her sponsor), along with Drs. Peter Holland and Tim Moran will oversee her development under the award, toward the goal of becoming a productive independent scientist and academic faculty member. The mentored career award will also allow the applicant to gain a fuller understanding of the clinical conditions, such as eating disorders; to which her basic research has relevance. The environment at Johns Hopkins University is particularly well suited to the applicant's training with a strong presence in both basic research and clinical areas in the field of neuroscience. All facilities required for the proposed research are available to the applicant, including dedicated office and research space.