The goal of the proposal is to identify critical molecules and their locus of action in synaptic plasticity that underlies appetitive learning and memory as well as alcohol addiction. It is hypothesised that specific microcircuitry between basal and central Nuclei of the amygdala in the brain are pivotal for these phenomena and that c-Fos transcriptional activator and protein product of its gene target, matrix metalloproteianse-9 (MMP-9) mediate excitatory synaptic plasticity in the GABA-ergic inhibitors neurons in the central amygdala. In aggregate, the project aims at revealing molecular and cellular underpinnings of fundamental processes that besides supporting brain physiology may in aberrant form contribute to major medical and societal problems such as addiction to substances of abuse, eating disorders and obesity. Advancing knowledge on those issues shall pave a way for novel therapeutic approaches.