A02Motor control and behaviors Neuronal circuit mechanisms of reward/goal-directed behavior

 Understanding mechanisms of prompt and flexible reward/goal-directed behavior is a common subject for brain science and AI. The basal ganglia are critical brain regions for reward/goal-directed behavior, and are impaired in various neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, drug addiction, PTSD, depression, and schizophrenia. In this research project, we clarify the distinct roles of the parallel direct and indirect, ventral and dorsal striatal pathways in reward/goal-directed behavior and its flexibility. We also examine how the inputs from the cortex, hippocampus, and substantia nigra regulate these parallel striatal pathways. Then, we will identify the molecular and circuit pathophysiology in mouse models of various neuropsychiatric disorders. This project aims to contribute to the fusion of AI, robotics, computational psychiatry, and brain science.