Prelimbic neuron assemblies with delayed activation encode the economic decision-making process in a bandit game

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Decision Science
• Computational Neuroscience

Background:

• The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) plays a key role in value-based decision-making.
• Understanding specific neuronal contributions within the mPFC, especially concerning reward value and decision modification, remains challenging.
• The impact of null or empty rewards on decision-making processes is often overlooked.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of specific neuronal populations in the prelimbic area of the mPFC during value-based decision-making.
• To explore how different neuronal firing patterns contribute to choice modification and reward valuation.
• To examine the influence of empty rewards on decision-making strategies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a two-port bandit game paradigm in mice.
• Applied synchronized calcium imaging to record neuronal activity in the prelimbic mPFC.
• Analyzed neuronal firing patterns, focusing on delayed activation (deA) neurons.

Main Results:

• Identified three distinct neuronal firing patterns in the mPFC during the bandit game.
• Demonstrated that deA neurons uniquely encode reward type and changing choice values.
• Showed deA neurons are essential for establishing choice-outcome correlations and modifying decisions.
• Observed dynamic shifts within deA neuron assemblies during long-term gambling, with empty rewards gaining significance.

Conclusions:

• Prelimbic deA neurons are critical for mediating gambling behaviors and economic decision-making.
• These neurons are fundamental for constructing choice-outcome associations and adapting decisions.
• The study highlights the dynamic nature of neuronal ensembles and the increasing importance of null feedback in decision-making.