Dopaminergic reorganisation of cross-region neural communication

Dopamine (DA) neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are thought to provide a reinforcement signal that is essential for learning.

Despite recent advances, how VTA-DA neurons coordinate and modulate communication and synaptic plasticity across brain regions to drive behavior is still an open question.

We hypothesise that 1) DA enhances communication of behaviorally relevant information across cortex and striatum and 2) the content of the information varies across corticostriatal regions.

To test this model, we propose an ambitious research program in mice, using state-of-the-art in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, neuropharmacology and computational techniques.

First, we will use high density in vivo electrophysiology (Neuropixels) to record neural activity across different corticostriatal regions, while optogenetically manipulating VTA-DA neurons in mice performing a visuospatial decision-making task.

We will then use advanced computational methods to examine how and what information is communicated across corticostriatal regions, and how this process is modulated by DA.

Finally, we will causally evaluate how DA mediated changes in cross-region communication depend on the receptor, synapses and the neuronal populations involved.

In conclusion, we propose a comprehensive study of how DA modulates cross-region communication to drive behavior, providing a needed bridge between our systems and synaptic level understanding of VTA-DA.