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Dissociable encoding of motivated behavior by parallel thalamo-striatal projections
Sofia Beas1,2, Isbah Khan1, Claire Gao1
1Unit on the Neurobiology of Affective Memory, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|October 2, 2023
Summary
The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) has two neuron types that control goal-directed actions. PVT D2(+) neurons drive action execution, while PVT D2(-) neurons signal action termination, revealing parallel pathways for motivated behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Goal-directed behaviors depend on coordinated action execution and termination, modulated by internal motivational states.
- The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is crucial for motivated behaviors and internal state monitoring.
- The PVT contains distinct neuronal subpopulations, PVT D2(+) and PVT D2(-), with differing connectivity and function.
Conclusions:
- Two parallel thalamo-striatal pathways involving PVT D2(+) and PVT D2(-) neurons dynamically regulate goal pursuit.
- These findings provide insight into how the brain tracks motivational states to shape instrumental actions.
- The study elucidates distinct roles for PVT neuronal subpopulations in motivated behavior and action control.
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