Sensory signals of associative learning

Through evolution, animals gained the remarkable ability to respond with sub second precision to environmental stimuli and to learn to associate those with positive or negative outcomes. This process of associative learning is key for successfully seeking rewards or avoid danger in an ever-changing environment. Since these processes were first described many decades ago, researchers attempted to dissect how the mammalian brain encodes relevant sensory signals from the environment and decodes such signals. Despite great advances, the circuit mechanisms of associative learning are still far from being completely understood.
Our research aims to understand the neural circuits underlying how sensory stimuli are associated with appropriate motivated behaviors.
To gain insight on the neural circuits encoding both positive or negative associative learning, we are using an integrative approach, resorting to omics, multi-site large scale electrophysiology, neurotransmitter and calcium signaling, and optogenetics coupled with behavior to determine the genetic and functional neuronal engrams of associative learning.
We are confident that, by using this multidimentional approach, we will generate essential knowledge on how sensory signals are decoded by the brain to engage appropriate associative behaviors.

Funding Agency

FCT
L’Oréal Portugal
Comissão Nacional da UNESCO
Bial Foundation
Órdem dos Médicos
IBRO Early Career Award
EASI Genomics

Project Reference

Bial Foundation, 175/2020
FCT, 2022.01467.PTDC

Project Members

Carina Soares-Cunha

Assistant Researcher Project Leader

Ana João Rodrigues

Principal Investigator

João Bessa

Principal Investigator

Nuno Sousa

Principal Investigator

Bárbara Coimbra

Assistant Researcher

Claire Terrier

Postdoctoral Researcher

Tawan T. A. Carvalho

Postdoctoral Researcher

Ana Verónica Domingues

PhD Student

Natacha Vieitas-Gaspar

PhD Student

Raquel Correia

PhD Student

Anabela Ferreira

MSc Student

Rita Gaspar

Research Technician

Main Project Outcomes

Papers
Domingues AV et al. Prenatal glucocorticoid exposure alters effort decision making and triggers nucleus accumbens and anterior cingulate cortex functional changes. Translational Psychiatry (2022)

Correia et al. Involvement of nucleus accumbens D2-MSN projections to the ventral pallidum in anxious-like behavior. BioRxiv (2022)
Soares-Cunha et al. Distinct role of nucleus accumbens D2-MSN projections to ventral pallidum in different phases of motivated behavior. Cell Reports (2022)

Soares-Cunha C et al. “Nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons subtypes signal both reward and aversion”. Molecular Psychiatry (2020)

Soares-Cunha C et al. Activation of D2 dopamine receptor-expressing neurons in the nucleus accumbens increases motivation. Nature Communications 7:11829.

Advanced course
“Advanced methods for imaging and manipulation of neuronal circuits in vivo” (2022)

Awards
SPN Best Manuscript 2020, Portuguese Society for Neurosciences
Fulbright Scholarship for Professors or Doctorate holder Researchers (2019)

SPN Best Manuscript 2020, Portuguese Society for Neurosciences
Fulbright Scholarship for Professors or Doctorate holder Researchers (2019)

Media
A table talk about the team’s work on the national network RTP2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGNy-UCcE0M
Interview about L’Oréal Portugal Honor medals for Women in Science –
https://www.rum.pt/news/investigadora-da-uminho-vencenbspmedalha-de-honra-loreal-portugal