Cross-species translational paradigms for assessing positive valence system as defined by the RDoC matrix

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Reward processing functions are vital for motivation, learning, and goal-directed behavior.
• These functions are classified under the positive valence system in the Research Domain and Criteria (RDoC) framework.
• Dysfunction in the positive valence system is implicated across various psychiatric disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review cross-species research on the neurobiology and neurochemistry of the positive valence system.
• To outline clinical tasks within the RDoC framework for reward-related functioning.
• To assess the validity of rodent paradigms, particularly touchscreen-based systems, for studying reward mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing cross-species research on reward processing.
• Analysis of RDoC-defined clinical tasks related to the positive valence system.
• Evaluation of rodent behavioral paradigms, focusing on touchscreen technology.

Main Results:

• The positive valence system comprises Reward Responsiveness, Reward Learning, and Reward Valuation.
• Preclinical research using advanced neurotechnologies can dissect shared or distinct neural mechanisms.
• Touchscreen systems offer a standardized approach for cross-species behavioral tasks.

Conclusions:

• The RDoC framework facilitates transdiagnostic research into mental illness mechanisms.
• Validated preclinical models, especially using touchscreen systems, are essential for informing human behavior and treatment.
• Further validation of rodent paradigms is needed to bridge preclinical findings to human conditions.