Dissociable encoding of motivated behavior by parallel thalamo-striatal projections

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Behavioral Neuroscience

Background:

• Goal-directed behaviors depend on coordinated action execution and termination.
• The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) influences motivated behaviors and monitors internal states.
• The PVT contains distinct neuronal subpopulations, PVT(D2(+)) and PVT(D2(-)), with differing connectivity and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vivo dynamics of PVT(D2(+)) and PVT(D2(-)) neurons during a goal-oriented task.
• To understand how these distinct PVT neuronal types contribute to the regulation of motivated actions.
• To explore the role of PVT projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in tracking motivational states.

Main Methods:

• Utilized fiber photometry to record neural activity in vivo.
• Studied two distinct neuronal subpopulations: PVT(D2(+)) and PVT(D2(-)).
• Employed a foraging-like behavioral task in mice.

Main Results:

• PVT(D2(+)) neurons were associated with the execution of goal-oriented actions.
• PVT(D2(-)) neurons were linked to the termination of goal-oriented actions.
• Neuronal activity in both populations, particularly PVT(D2(+)), correlated with motivation parameters like vigor and satiety, with preserved function in PVT projections to the NAc.

Conclusions:

• Two parallel thalamo-striatal projections from distinct PVT neuronal subpopulations dynamically regulate goal pursuits.
• These findings offer insights into how the brain tracks motivational states to shape instrumental actions.
• The study elucidates the specific roles of PVT(D2(+)) and PVT(D2(-)) neurons in action control and motivation.