Neuronal Basis for Loss Sensitivity-Based Exploratory Behavior

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K15226
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 46030:Function of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Nonomura Satoshi 京都大学, ヒト行動進化研究センター, 特定助教 (10737125)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 意思決定 / 光遺伝学 / 電気生理学 / 前頭前皮質 / 線条体

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Sensing the diminishment of value of repeatedly selected behaviors in a dynamic environment and switching behaviors in an exploratory manner in search of better conditions is an important decision-making function in modern society characterized by change. In this study, we conducted experiments in rats and macaque monkeys using a combination of optogenetics and electrophysiology techniques to elucidate the neural basis of the brain involved in behavior switching based on value diminishment. The results revealed that neural pathways from the medial prefrontal cortex to the basal ganglia(striatum) transmit important signals involved in such behavior switching.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、損失に基づいた行動切り替えに関わるシグナルがどのように伝達されているのかを、光遺伝学技術と電気生理学的手法を応用することで、神経路を厳密に特定した上で明らかにした。こうした成果は、経済的、社会的、精神的な支障がきたされるギャンブル依存や固執行動などの異常な意思決定機能の理解や、その治療法の提案につながることが考えられる。