Genetically identified amygdala-striatal circuits for valence-specific behaviors

Zhang et al. report that the BLA contains 'hardwired' positive-valence and negative-valence neurons, which each express Fezf2 but have distinct connectivity. These neurons separately drive learning and expression of avoidance or approach behavior. The basolateral amygdala (BLA) plays essential roles in behaviors motivated by stimuli with either positive or negative valence, but how it processes motivationally opposing information and participates in establishing valence-specific behaviors remains unclear. Here, by targeting Fezf2-expressing neurons in the BLA, we identify and characterize two functionally distinct classes in behaving mice, the negative-valence neurons and positive-valence neurons, which innately represent aversive and rewarding stimuli, respectively, and through learning acquire predictive responses that are essential for punishment avoidance or reward seeking. Notably, these two classes of neurons receive inputs from separate sets of sensory and limbic areas, and convey punishment and reward information through projections to the nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle, respectively, to drive negative and positive reinforcement. Thus, valence-specific BLA neurons are wired with distinctive input-output structures, forming a circuit framework that supports the roles of the BLA in encoding, learning and executing valence-specific motivated behaviors.

Automated summary

Researchers have discovered two classes of 'hardwired' neurons in the BLA, positive-valence and negative-valence neurons, which express Fezf2 and have distinct connectivity. These neurons drive punishment avoidance and reward seeking behaviors by receiving inputs from separate sensory and limbic areas, and conveying information to the nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle.