Project Summary

Jin-Hee Han, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2008) of the Hospital for Sick Children/University of Toronto, proposes to examine how neurons in the brain (amygdala) are chosen to participate in fear memories. The formation of memories is thought to involve the strengthening of connections (synapses) between nerve cells (neurons). The human brain contains roughly 100 billion neurons. For any given memory, however, not all of these neurons are engaged, only a small subset. What are the factors that determine which neurons become integrated into the neuronal network that supports a particular memory? Simply put, why is neuron X, rather than its neighbor neuron Y, 'chosen' to become part of a memory? The purpose of this proposal is to investigate the mechanisms underlying neuronal competition and selection during fear memory formation. These results will enhance our understanding of the molecular and systems bases of fear memory and, therefore, may provide insights into novel treatments for anxiety disorders in humans.

Program Area: ANXIETY DISORDERS

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