The anterior hypothalamic area: a hub for convergence of innate and learned threat responding

The anterior hypothalamic area (AHA) has been implicated in a diverse array of functions ranging from defensive behavior selection to autonomic control. However, new methods that allow systematic characterization of the anatomical organization, connectivity, activity patterns, and molecular diversity have revealed the AHA as a hub for the convergence of innate and learned threat responding. Threat information is relayed to the AHA by synaptic inputs and circulating factors to convey information relevant for the regulation of organ system physiology and behavior. This structure is a critical hub for the regulation of survival behaviors but is relatively understudied compared to other hypothalamic structures. This review focuses on recent advances in dissecting the AHA that have overcome historical challenges that limit understanding of the AHA's role in basic brain circuitry and health disorders.