Work

Author response: Mixed representations of choice direction and outcome by GABA/glutamate cotransmitting neurons in the entopeduncular nucleus

Year: 2025

Type: peer-review

Abstract: eLife AssessmentSomatostatin-expressing neurons of the entopeduncular nucleus (EPNSst+) provide a limbic output of the basal ganglia and co-release GABA and Glutamate in their projection to the lateral habenula, a structure that is key for reward-based learning.Combining fiber photometry and computational modeling, the authors provide compelling evidence that EPNSst+ neural activity represents movement, choice direction and reward outcomes in a probabilistic switching task but, surprisingly, neither chronic genetic silencing of these neurons nor selectively elimination glutamate release affected behavioral performance in well-trained animals.This valuable study shows that despite its representation of key task variables, EPNSst+ neurons are dispensable for ongoing performance in a task requiring outcome monitoring to optimize reward.This work will be of interest to those interested in neural circuits, learning, and/or decision making.

Source: eLife

DOI: 10.7554/elife.100488.3.sa4