Margo Le

Presentation Title

Reward memories bias abstract rule selection via orbitofrontal cortex to secondary motor cortex projections

Abstract

Reward-predictive cues can influence decision-making and promote the pursuit of specific outcomes. This process is generally studied using the Pavlovian-to-Instrumental Transfer paradigm (PIT), in which a (Pavlovian) reward-predictive cue biases (instrumental) choice behavior by promoting the specific action (often a left or right lever press) directed toward the cued outcome. However, naturalistic reward-pursuit typically involves multiple actions organized into logical sequences and orchestrated by goal-specific high-level ‘rules’. The influence of reward cues on rule selection and the underlying neural circuitry remains largely unknown. Here, we've adapted the PIT paradigm —in combination with pathway-specific chemogenetic silencing— to show that cued reward memories bias high-level rule selection via orbitofrontal cortex projections to secondary motor cortex.