Choice-selective sequences dominate in cortical relative to thalamic inputs to the nucleus accumbens, providing a potential substrate for credit assignment

Abstract

How are actions linked with subsequent outcomes to guide choices? The nucleus accumbens, which is implicated in this process, receives glutamatergic inputs from the prelimbic cortex and midline regions of the thalamus. However, little is known about whether and how representations differ across these input pathways. By comparing these inputs during a reinforcement learning task in mice, we discovered that prelimbic cortical inputs preferentially represent actions and choices, whereas midline thalamic inputs preferentially represent cues. Choice-selective activity in the prelimbic cortical inputs is organized in sequences that persist beyond the outcome. Through computational modeling, we demonstrate that these sequences can support the neural implementation of reinforcement learning algorithms, both in a circuit model based on synaptic plasticity, and one based on neural dynamics. Finally, we test and confirm predictions of our circuit models by direct manipulation of nucleus accumbens input neurons. Thus, we integrate experiment and modeling to suggest neural solutions for credit assignment.