biostudies-literatureUnknownHowe JRNCCIH NIH HHSNIDDK NIH HHSNIA NIH HHSNIDCD NIH HHSNIMH NIH HHSNIH HHSAnimals exhibit innate behaviors that are stereotyped responses to specific evolutionarily relevant stimuli in the absence of prior learning or experience. These behaviors can be reduced to an axis of valence, whereby specific odors evoke approach or avoidance responses. The posterolateral cortical amygdala (plCoA) mediates innate attraction and aversion to odor. However, little is known about how this brain area gives rise to behaviors of opposing motivational valence. Here, we sought to define the circuit features of plCoA that give rise to innate attraction and aversion to odor. We characterized the physiology, gene expression, and projections of this structure, identifying a divergent, topographic organization that selectively controls innate attraction and avoidance to odor. First, webioRxiv : the preprint server for biology2024.06.26.600895https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11230396biostudies-literatureControl of innate olfactory valence by segregated cortical amygdala circuits.PMC11230396R01 DC018313DP1 AT009925R01 MH115920R37 MH102441R00 DC014516S10 OD026929DP2 DK102256K99 MH121563RF1 AG061831Blanquart MRoot CMChan CLHowe JRDesplats PALemieux MERomero HKZadina ANMills FTye KMLee DLee JHfalseControl of innate olfactory valence by segregated cortical amygdala circuits.Animals exhibit innate behaviors that are stereotyped responses to specific evolutionarily relevant stimuli in the absence of prior learning or experience. These behaviors can be reduced to an axis of valence, whereby specific odors evoke approach or avoidance responses. The posterolateral cortical amygdala (plCoA) mediates innate attraction and aversion to odor. However, little is known about how this brain area gives rise to behaviors of opposing motivational valence. Here, we sought to define the circuit features of plCoA that give rise to innate attraction and aversion to odor. We characterized the physiology, gene expression, and projections of this structure, identifying a divergent, topographic organization that selectively controls innate attraction and avoidance to odor. First, we2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Oct2026-07-09T11:01:13.912Z2025-08-13T03:04:39.8ZS-EPMC112303963897930810.1101/2024.06.26.600895