An amygdala-cortical circuit for encoding generalized fear memories.

ABSTRACT: Generalized learning is a fundamental process observed across species, contexts, and sensory modalities that enables animals to use past experiences to adapt to changing conditions. Evidence suggests that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) extracts general features of an experience that can be used across multiple situations. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a region of the PFC, is implicated in generalized fear responses to novel contexts. However, the ACC's role in encoding contextual information is poorly understood, especially under increased threat intensity that promotes generalization. Here, we show that synaptic plasticity within the ACC and signaling from basolateral amygdala (BLA) inputs during fear learning are necessary for generalized fear responses to novel encountered contexts.

SUBMITTER: Vincent CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12700787 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature