Choice-selective sequences dominate in cortical relative to thalamic inputs to NAc to support reinforcement learning.

ABSTRACT: How are actions linked with subsequent outcomes to guide choices? The nucleus accumbens, which is implicated in this process, receives glutamatergic inputs from the prelimbic cortex and midline regions of the thalamus. However, little is known about whether and how representations differ across these input pathways. By comparing these inputs during a reinforcement learning task in mice, we discovered that prelimbic cortical inputs preferentially represent actions and choices, whereas midline thalamic inputs preferentially represent cues. Choice-selective activity in the prelimbic cortical inputs is organized in sequences that persist beyond the outcome. Through computational modeling, we demonstrate that these sequences can support the neural implementation of reinforcement-learning algori

SUBMITTER: Parker NF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9218875 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature