Frontal cholinergic signals during value-based decision-making

项目总结 皮质胆碱能信号参与多种功能，包括觉醒和警觉，信号转导 增援，学习和记忆。也有证据表明胆碱能对 基于价值的决策。然而，决策是一个复杂的过程，受以下参数的影响 价值函数、学习率、奖励预测误差等。仍然知之甚少的是 哪些胆碱能信号可以报告或调节特定的决策相关参数。在初步研究中， 我们开发了一种新的适应基于价值的决策任务，用于头部固定的小鼠。分析和 强化学习模型与任务绩效的匹配表明行为符合基于价值的行为 决定。在这个方案中，我们将通过测量来确定皮质胆碱能轴突的神经编码。 它们在决策过程中在啮齿动物运动前皮质中的活动动态(目标1)。我们将确定 快速胆碱能信号对操纵乙酰胆碱释放对基于价值的决策的影响 新皮质(目标2)。因为神经调节剂如乙酰胆碱对多发性硬化有相当大的影响 关于决策的方方面面，为描绘其计算功能而提议的研究将提供对 基于价值的决策的神经基础。

PROJECT SUMMARY Cortical cholinergic signaling is implicated in diverse functions, including arousal and vigilance, signaling of reinforcements, and learning and memory. There is also evidence suggesting cholinergic contributions to value-based decisions. However, decision-making is an elaborate process, influenced by parameters such as value functions, learning rates, reward prediction errors, and so on. Still poorly understood is the extent to which cholinergic signaling may report or regulate specific decision-related parameters. In preliminary studies, we developed a novel adaptation of a value-based decision-making task for head-fixed mice. Analysis and reinforcement learning model fit of the task performance indicate behavior consistent with value-based decisions. In this proposal, we will determine the neural encoding in cortical cholinergic axons by measuring their activity dynamics in the rodent premotor cortex during decision-making (Aim 1). We will determine the influence of fast cholinergic signaling on value-based decisions by manipulating acetylcholine release in the neocortex (Aim 2). Because neuromodulators such as acetylcholine have considerable influence on multiple facets of decision-making, the proposed studies to delineate its computational function will provide insights into the neural basis of value-based decisions.