Work

Shifting attention to orient or avoid: a unifying account of the tail of the striatum and its dopaminergic inputs

Year: 2024

Type: review

Abstract: The tail of the striatum (TS) is increasingly recognized as a unique subdivision of the striatum, characterized by its dense sensory inputs and projections received from a distinct group of dopamine neurons. Separate lines of research have characterized the functional role of TS, and TS-projecting dopamine neurons, in three realms: saccadic eye movement towards valuable visual stimuli; tone-guided choice between two options; and defensive responses to threatening stimuli. We propose a framework for reconciling these diverse roles as varied implementations of a conserved response to salient stimuli, with dopamine in TS providing a teaching signal to promote quick attentional shifts that facilitate stimulus-driven orientation and/or avoidance.

Source: Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences

DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2024.101441

Authors: Isobel Green, Ryunosuke Amo, Mitsuko Watabe-Uchida

Institution: Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,840

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences