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Gustatory thalamic neurons mediate aversive behaviors

Author

Listed:
  • Feng Cao

    (University of Washington
    University of Washington
    Western Washington University)

  • Sekun Park

    (University of Washington
    University of Washington)

  • Jordan L. Pauli

    (University of Washington
    University of Washington)

  • Eden Y. Seo

    (University of Washington
    University of Washington)

  • An-Doan Nguyen

    (University of Washington)

  • Richard D. Palmiter

    (University of Washington
    University of Washington
    University of Washington)

Abstract

The parvicellular part of the ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPMpc) of the thalamus, also known as the gustatory thalamus, receives input from the parabrachial nucleus and relays taste sensation to the gustatory (or insular) cortex. Prior research has focused on the role of the VPMpc in relaying taste signals. Here we provide evidence showing that VPMpc also mediates aversive behaviors. By recording calcium transients in vivo from single neurons in mice, we show that neurons expressing cholecystokinin and the mu-opioid receptor in the VPMpc respond to various noxious stimuli and fear memory. Chemogenetic and optogenetic activation of these neurons enhances the response to aversive stimuli, whereas silencing them attenuates aversive behaviors. The VPMpc neurons directly innervate neurons in the insular cortex and rostral lateral amygdala. This study expands the role of the VPMpc to include transmitting aversive and threatening signals to the insular cortex and lateral amygdala.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng Cao & Sekun Park & Jordan L. Pauli & Eden Y. Seo & An-Doan Nguyen & Richard D. Palmiter, 2025. "Gustatory thalamic neurons mediate aversive behaviors," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-63464-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63464-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yueqing Peng & Sarah Gillis-Smith & Hao Jin & Dimitri Tränkner & Nicholas J. P. Ryba & Charles S. Zuker, 2015. "Sweet and bitter taste in the brain of awake behaving animals," Nature, Nature, vol. 527(7579), pages 512-515, November.
    2. Li Wang & Sarah Gillis-Smith & Yueqing Peng & Juen Zhang & Xiaoke Chen & C. Daniel Salzman & Nicholas J. P. Ryba & Charles S. Zuker, 2018. "The coding of valence and identity in the mammalian taste system," Nature, Nature, vol. 558(7708), pages 127-131, June.
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