A subcortical switchboard for perseverative, exploratory and disengaged states.

ABSTRACT: To survive in dynamic environments with uncertain resources, animals must adapt their behaviour flexibly, choosing strategies such as persevering with a current choice, exploring alternatives or disengaging altogether. Previous studies have mainly investigated how forebrain regions represent choice costs and values as well as optimal strategies during such decisions^1-5. However, the neural mechanisms by which the brain implements alternative behavioural strategies such as persevering, exploring or disengaging remain poorly understood. Here we identify a neural hub that is critical for flexible switching between behavioural strategies, the median raphe nucleus (MRN). Using cell-type-specific optogenetic manipulations, fibre photometry and circuit tracing in mice performing divers

SUBMITTER: Ahmadlou M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12043504 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature