Breathing to Brain Feedback for Recovery during Aversive Learning – Breathing4FearRecovery

This project explores the dual role of breathing in both stress maintenance and recovery following aversive experiences. Our recent findings show that during fear conditioning, mice adopt a 4-6Hz breathing rhythm that sustains freezing behavior, with neuronal oscillations in the olfactory bulb (OB) transmitted to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) (Bagur et al., 2021). Preliminary data suggest that slower breathing rhythms (2-4Hz) emerge in safe environments after mice escape from aversive zones, potentially promoting recovery and restorative processes. This research aims to confirm the effects of slow breathing rhythms, determine whether this feedback operates via the OB or vagus nerve, investigate the PFC’s role, and examine how chronic stress disrupts these mechanisms.
The project brings together two complementary partners: Karim Benchenane and Gabriel Lepousez. Benchenane specializes in the OB pathway, while Lepousez focuses on the immune system and vagus nerve. They share techniques but offer unique expertise: Benchenane in neuronal analysis and closed-loop systems, and Lepousez in TRAP-2, fiber photometry, viral tracing, and vagal manipulation. Both laboratory being based in Paris, their close collaboration facilitates the development of the U-maze task and fiber photometry experiments in the two teams. Their collaboration is well-suited to tackle this fundamental question, with potential applications for treating chronic stress disorders. This research will refine breathing-based interventions and could lead to non-invasive, accessible strategies that harness natural physiological processes to enhance mental health and resilience in everyday life.