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Rodent Brain Microinjection to Study Molecular Substrates of Motivated Behavior
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A genetically defined insula-brainstem circuit selectively controls motivational vigor.

Hanfei Deng1, Xiong Xiao1, Tao Yang1

  • 1Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.

Cell
|December 10, 2021
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The anterior insular cortex (aIC) signals motivational vigor via Fezf2 neurons, influencing need-seeking behavior. This circuit regulates effort and dopamine release, but not taste or consumption.

Keywords:
Fezf2NTSalCanterior insular cortexdopamineeffortimagingmotivationnucleus tractus solitariioptogeneticspyramidal tract neuronsvigor

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • Decision Making

Background:

  • The anterior insular cortex (aIC) is crucial for behavioral control, yet its precise neural mechanisms are not fully understood.
  • Pyramidal tract neurons within the aIC are implicated in cognitive and motivational processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the neural mechanisms by which the aIC controls motivational vigor and need-seeking behavior.
  • To identify specific neuronal populations and circuits involved in regulating motivated actions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized genetic labeling to identify and target Fezf2-expressing neurons in the aIC (aICFezf2).
  • Investigated neuronal activity and circuit projections from the aIC to the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS).
  • Examined the role of the aIC → NTS circuit in controlling behavior, dopamine release, and consumption.

Main Results:

  • aICFezf2 neurons signal motivational vigor and invigorate need-seeking behavior through projections to the NTS.
  • Anticipatory activity in aICFezf2 and NTS neurons, acquired through learning, encodes perceived value and action vigor for homeostatic needs.
  • The aIC → NTS circuit selectively controls vigor, effort, and striatal dopamine release, contingent on learned actions and need.
  • aICFezf2 neurons do not represent taste or valence, nor does the circuit drive reinforcement or total consumption.

Conclusions:

  • Pinpointed specific functions of the aIC → NTS circuit in controlling motivational vigor.
  • Suggests that motivation is partly mediated by the aIC's top-down regulation of dopamine signaling.
  • Highlights the role of specific neuronal populations in the aIC for regulating motivated behavior.