How the brain learns emotional cues that predict reward or punishment
Neural circuit mechanisms of affective probabilistic learning
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11113963
This project looks at how specific brain areas (ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and amygdala) change when learning which cues mean reward or punishment to help people with depression or anxiety.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11113963 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers will measure activity from single neurons and across brain circuits while animals learn which cues are likely to bring rewards or punishments. They focus on the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and amygdala because these areas are linked to affective learning in humans. The team will manipulate bottom-up signals (sensory-driven) and top-down signals (cognitive control) to see how those changes alter learning. The goal is to map circuit patterns that could explain why learning goes wrong in depression and anxiety so future tests or treatments can target those pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with depression or anxiety disorders who are interested in research on brain-based mechanisms and potential future circuit-focused treatments would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate new treatment, those without mood or anxiety symptoms, or children may not receive direct benefit from this basic neuroscience work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal brain circuit markers and mechanisms that guide development of better diagnostics or circuit-targeted therapies for depression and anxiety.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and imaging studies have linked PFC–amygdala circuits to affective learning, but detailed single-neuron and circuit-level mapping in probabilistic learning is less established.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RUDEBECK, PETER — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: RUDEBECK, PETER
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Affective Disorders, Anxiety Disorders