Neuronal circuits of reward and aversion

Since the moment we wake up, we are continuously flooded with sensory information of variable relevance. Therefore, our brains evolved to filter information, and focus on relevant stimuli that are associated with an emotionally significant experience. A stimulus that is inherently appetitive/rewarding (positive valence) triggers approach; whereas a stimulus that is aversive (negative valence) induces avoidance. Different regions of the limbic system represent valence, including the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, ventral tegmental area, amongst others.
Our team is focused in understanding how our brain encodes valence, and how this information is conveyed into motivated behaviors. We are particularly interested in the nucleus accumbens circuitry, crucial for rewarding/aversive learning and motivation.
We use a combination of tools including behavioral evaluation, optogenetics, electrophysiology, pharmacology and live imaging with genetically-encoded sensors in rodents to understand how reward and aversion are encoded in the nucleus accumbens circuitry. We are performing these studies in physiological conditions but also in rodent models of neurodevelopmental challenges such as prenatal stress. Ultimately, by unveiling the neurobiological underpinnings of motivated behavior, one can contribute for the mechanistic interpretation of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and addiction.

Funding Agency

ERC, La Caixa Foundation, FCT

Project Reference

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Project Members

Ana João Rodrigues

Principal Investigator Project Leader

João Bessa

Principal Investigator

João Oliveira

Principal Investigator

Luisa Pinto

Principal Investigator

Nuno Sousa

Principal Investigator

Bárbara Coimbra

Assistant Researcher

Carina Soares-Cunha

Assistant Researcher

Claire Terrier

Postdoctoral Researcher

Leandro A. Aguiar

Postdoctoral Researcher

Tawan T. A. Carvalho

Postdoctoral Researcher

Ana Verónica Domingues

PhD Student

Gisela Armada

PhD Student

Natacha Vieitas-Gaspar

PhD Student

Raquel Correia

PhD Student

Catarina Deseyve

MSc Student

Ricardo Bastos-Gonçalves

MSc Student

Marcelina Węzik

Research Technician

Rita Gaspar

Research Technician

Main Project Outcomes

1. Soares-Cunha (…), Rodrigues AJ. Distinct role of nucleus accumbens D2-MSN projections to ventral pallidum in different phases of motivated behavior. Cell Reports (2022)

2. Coimbra (…), Rodrigues AJ. Laterodorsal tegmentum–ventral tegmental area projections encode positive reinforcement signals. Journal of Neuroscience Research (2021)

3. Coimbra B, Soares-Cunha C, Vasconcelos NAP, Sousa N, Rodrigues AJ. Role of laterodorsal tegmentum projections to nucleus accumbens in reward-related behaviors”. Nature Communications (2019)

4. Soares-Cunha C, Vasconcelos NAP, Coimbra B, Domingues AV, Silva J, Loureiro-Campos E, Gaspar R, Sotiropoulos I, Sousa N, Rodrigues AJ. “Nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons subtypes signal both reward and aversion”. Molecular Psychiatry (2019)

5. Soares-Cunha C, Coimbra B, Domingues AV, Vasconcelos N, Sousa N, Rodrigues AJ. “Nucleus accumbens microcircuit underlying D2-MSN-driven increase in motivation”. eNeuro (2018)

6. Vasconcelos N, Soares-Cunha C, Rodrigues AJ, Ribeiro S, Sousa N. “Coupled variability in primary sensory areas and the hippocampus during spontaneous activity”. Scientific Rep (2017)

7. Soares-Cunha C, Coimbra B, Pereira A, Pinto L, Costa P, Sousa N, Rodrigues AJ. “Activation of D2 dopamine receptor-expressing neurons in the nucleus accumbens increases motivation. Nature Communications”. (2016)

8. Soares-Cunha C, Coimbra B, Sousa N, Rodrigues AJ. “Reappraising striatal D1- and D2-neurons in reward and aversion”. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. (2016)

9. Science outreach in national media – Researchers win a millionaire scholarship to study the brain; https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/pais/equipa-da-universidade-do-minho-garante-bolsa-de-2-milhoes-de-euros_v1297263

10. Science outreach in local media – Medalha de Honra L’Oréal Portugal para as Mulheres na Ciência – Carina Soares-Cunha; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kjw00GBQzfY