Molecular and neural mechanisms of behavioural integration in the extended-amygdala

Abstract

Integration of diverse stimuli is crucial for organisms to adapt and communicate effectively, enabling overall homeostasis and survival. Studies have been performed on identifying specific neuronal encoding of individual behaviours, but how neurons integrate diverse behaviours across contexts remains elusive. Here we use Ca2+ imaging in freely moving mice to identify neural ensembles in the extended amygdala encoding behaviours across six distinct contexts. We found extensive flexibility in these ensemble encodings that may act as reserves for behavioural integration, with those encoding aversive stimuli showing greater specificity. Finally, we identified differential gene expression profiles between ensembles that are enriched in associations with human psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Overall, our results demonstrate the molecular mechanisms behind behavioural integration, and their potential implications in health and disease.