Objective Numerous studies established the role of the limbic system in fear and reward: it integrates sensory information, encodes emotional states and instructs other brain centers to regulate physiology and behavior. The limbic system, however, consists of many distinct and highly interconnected neuronal populations. Resolving how emotions are processed in this network at the level of single neural circuits remains a major challenge.As entry point into the complexity of emotion circuitry, we propose to study, in exemplary fashion, how fear, as the most basic paradigm for emotions, is processed in key limbic hubs. Genetic manipulation of brain circuitry with electrophysiological methods and Pavlovian conditioning in mice, are powerful tools to explore which and how individual circuits in these hubs control emotional states, and, in turn, how genes and psychoactive drugs modulate circuit activity, emotional states and behavior.We envision this ERC funded research to uncover general principles of the network organization of both emotions and behaviors. It is our hope that we contribute useful tools and methodological framework for investigating other brain functions in a similar manner. Fields of science medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologygenetic engineeringmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiology Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-LS5 - ERC Starting Grant - Neurosciences and neural disorders Call for proposal ERC-2012-StG_20111109 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution FORSCHUNGSINSTITUT FUR MOLEKULARE PATHOLOGIE GESELLSCHAFT MBH EU contribution € 1 499 922,00 Address CAMPUS-VIENNA-BIOCENTER 1 1030 Wien Austria See on map Region Ostösterreich Wien Wien Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Tanja Winkler (Ms.) Principal investigator Wulf Eckhard Haubensak (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all FORSCHUNGSINSTITUT FUR MOLEKULARE PATHOLOGIE GESELLSCHAFT MBH Austria EU contribution € 1 499 922,00 Address CAMPUS-VIENNA-BIOCENTER 1 1030 Wien See on map Region Ostösterreich Wien Wien Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Administrative Contact Tanja Winkler (Ms.) Principal investigator Wulf Eckhard Haubensak (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data