Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are proposed to signal reward prediction error (RPE), a
fundamental parameter in associative learning models. This RPE hypothesis provides a …

The basal ganglia are a chain of subcortical nuclei that facilitate action selection. Two striatal
projection systems—so-called direct and indirect pathways—form the functional backbone of …

Recent progress in understanding the diversity of midbrain dopamine neurons has
highlighted the importance—and the challenges—of defining mammalian neuronal cell …

Mesolimbic dopamine (DA) neurons play a central role in motivation and reward processing.
Although the activity of these mesolimbic DA neurons is controlled by afferent inputs, little is …

Recent studies indicate that dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and
substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) convey distinct signals. To explore this difference, we …

Both observational and perturbational technologies are essential for advancing the
understanding of brain function and dysfunction. But while observational techniques have …

Cell type–specific expression of optogenetic molecules allows temporally precise
manipulation of targeted neuronal activity. Here we present a toolbox of four knock-in mouse …

Striatal dopamine encodes reward, with recent work showing that dopamine release occurs
in spatiotemporal waves. However, the mechanism of dopamine waves is unknown. Here …

Genetically encoded, single-component optogenetic tools have made a significant impact on
neuroscience, enabling specific modulation of selected cells within complex neural tissues …

This Perspective will examine the organization of intrastriatal circuitry, review recent findings
in this area, and discuss how the pattern of connectivity between striatal neurons might give …