# Amygdala Encoding of Reward Memory

> **NIH NIH F32** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2021 · $68,890

## Abstract

To made adaptive goal-directed choices, we have to consider the consequences of our actions so we can select
the most advantageous choice. These considerations are informed by our memory of similar circumstances in
the past. This capacity becomes disrupted in many neuropsychiatric conditions including substance use
disorder. One behavioral mechanism by which adaptive decisions are made is via stimulus-reward
associations. Despite the importance of understanding both adaptive and maladaptive decision making, we
know very little about the neural circuits that encode these stimulus-reward memories. As such, the general
goal of this project is to evaluate the neural mechanisms that underlie stimulus-reward memories and how they
influence decision making. This work will provide insight into a vital aspect of motivated decision making, setting
a foundation for understanding how these processes may go awry in disease states, and ultimately inform
treatment strategies.
A burgeoning literature indicates that memories can be encoded in discrete neural ensembles. These
populations of cells have also been identified in the basolateral amygdala, a neural region that is also essential
to the encoding and retrieving of reward memories. However, our understanding of whether and how ensembles
of cells in the basolateral amygdala represent unique rewards, cues, and subsequently guide decisions is
incomplete. My proposed study will determine whether there are unique reward and cue representing cells in
the basolateral amygdala and how they may promote choice behavior. To accomplish these goals I will use a
combination of cutting edge neuroscience tools and sophisticated behavioral assays in mice. In Aim 1, I will
utilize a novel tag and capture approach to manipulate reward and cue activated neurons in the basolateral
amygdala to determine the causal contribution of these neural ensembles to decision making. In Aim 2, I will
use in vivo cellular resolution calcium imaging via miniaturized microscopes to reveal the neural dynamics of
the basolateral amygdala in response to rewards and their affiliative cues, and during decisions. The outcomes
of these proposed experiments will provide crucial information for our understanding of how the basolateral
amygdala contributes to reward motivated choice. These findings will also provide insight for how the
basolateral amygdala might be a target for drugs of abuse, but also may also serve as a site for intervention
and treatment. I will carry out these studies in the Wassum Lab at UCLA, with the support and direction of a
diverse and well-rounded mentoring team. The environment at UCLA will also provide excellent intellectual,
technical and professional training. This will leave me well equipped to achieve my career goals of running an
independent research lab studying addiction neurobiology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10312687
- **Project number:** 1F32DA054705-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** Baila Sara Hall
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $68,890
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10312687

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10312687, Amygdala Encoding of Reward Memory (1F32DA054705-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10312687. Licensed CC0.

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