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Gustatory thalamic neurons mediate aversive behaviors.
Feng Cao1,2,3, Sekun Park4,5, Jordan L Pauli4,5
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. feng.cao@wwu.edu.
Nature Communications
|September 26, 2025
Summary
The gustatory thalamus (VPMpc) transmits taste signals and mediates aversive behaviors. This study reveals VPMpc neurons expressing cholecystokinin and mu-opioid receptors are crucial for processing noxious stimuli and fear memories.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sensory Systems
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The parvicellular part of the ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPMpc), or gustatory thalamus, traditionally relays taste information.
- Previous research primarily focused on the VPMpc's role in transmitting taste signals to the gustatory cortex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of VPMpc neurons beyond taste perception.
- To determine if VPMpc mediates aversive behaviors and fear memory.
Main Methods:
- In vivo calcium imaging of single neurons in mice.
- Recording neuronal activity in response to noxious stimuli and fear memory.
- Chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulation of VPMpc neuronal activity.
Main Results:
- VPMpc neurons expressing cholecystokinin and mu-opioid receptors respond to noxious stimuli and fear memory.
- Activation of these VPMpc neurons enhanced responses to aversive stimuli.
- Silencing these neurons attenuated aversive behaviors.
Conclusions:
- The VPMpc plays a significant role in mediating aversive behaviors, not just taste sensation.
- VPMpc neurons transmit aversive and threatening signals to the insular cortex and lateral amygdala.
- This expands the known function of the gustatory thalamus in threat processing.
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