Search

Individuals suffering from substance use disorder often experience relapse events that are attributed to drug craving. Insular cortex (IC) function is implicated in processing drug‐predictive cues and is thought to be a critical substrate for drug craving, but the downstream neural circuit effectors of the IC that mediate reward processing are poorly described. Here, we uncover the functional connectivity of an IC projection to the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vBNST), a portion of the extended amygdala that has been previously shown to modulate dopaminergic activity within the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and investigate the role of this pathway in reward‐related behaviors. We utilized ex vivo slice electrophysiology and in vivo optogenetics to examine the functional connectivity of the IC‐vBNST projection and bidirectionally control IC‐vBNST terminals in various reward‐related behavioral paradigms. We hypothesized that the IC recruits mesolimbic dopamine signaling by activating VTA‐projecting, vBNST neurons. Using slice electrophysiology, we found that the IC sends a glutamatergic projection onto vBNST‐VTA neurons. Photoactivation of IC‐vBNST terminals was sufficient to reinforce behavior in a dopamine‐dependent manner. Moreover, silencing the IC‐vBNST projection was aversive and resulted in anxiety‐like behavior without affecting food consumption. This work provides a potential mechanism by which the IC processes exteroceptive triggers that are predictive of reward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the role of context and time in fear learning, specifically the involvement of protein synthesis in fear memory consolidation. Using Pavlovian fear conditioning in rats, Leake et al. show that protein synthesis in the basolateral amygdala may not always be essential for fear memory formation, depending on the timing and context of fear-inducing events. This finding provides insights into the complex neural processes governing fear learning and memory consolidation.

The article highlights the significance of context and time in fear learning, particularly regarding the role of protein synthesis in fear memory consolidation. Through Pavlovian fear conditioning experiments in rats, Leake et al. demonstrate that protein synthesis in the basolateral amygdala is not always necessary for fear memory formation, with its requirement being influenced by the timing and environmental context of fear-inducing experiences.

The article provides insights into breakthroughs in neuroscience techniques and concepts ahead of the Society for Neuroscience annual meeting. Topics covered include the impact of smell loss on neuropsychiatric diseases post-COVID-19, advancements in preclinical research for understanding cognitive and behavioral systems, insights into the role of astrocytes in neuropsychiatric diseases, and discussions on treatment strategies like deep brain stimulation and psychedelic drugs.

The article focuses on the inhibitory mechanism of synaptic vesicle (SV) endocytosis and its critical role in maintaining neurotransmission. Topics include the impact of Syt11 on synaptic protein recycling, the acceleration of SV endocytosis upon Syt11 deletion in hippocampal neurons, and the identification of endophilin A1 as the primary target of Syt11.