Frontal cholinergic signals during value-based decision-making

项目摘要 皮质胆碱能信号涉及多种功能，包括唤醒和警觉， 强化，学习和记忆。也有证据表明胆碱能有助于 基于价值的决策。然而，决策是一个复杂的过程，受到以下参数的影响： 价值函数、学习率、奖励预测误差等等。仍然知之甚少的是， 其中胆碱能信号传导可以报告或调节特定的决策相关参数。在初步研究中， 我们为头部固定的小鼠开发了一种基于价值的决策任务的新适应。分析和 强化学习模型拟合的任务绩效表明行为符合基于价值的 决策在这个提议中，我们将通过测量皮质胆碱能轴突中的神经编码来确定皮质胆碱能轴突中的神经编码。 他们的活动动力学在啮齿动物运动前皮层在决策过程中（目的1）。康贝特人将以 通过操纵脑内乙酰胆碱释放，快速胆碱能信号对基于价值的决策的影响 新皮质（Aim 2）。由于神经调质如乙酰胆碱对多种神经元有相当大的影响， 决策的各个方面，拟议的研究，以描绘其计算功能将提供深入了解 基于价值观的决策的神经基础。

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.