TRKB Controls Value-Based Decision Making and Preserves Neuronal Structure in the Medial Orbital Frontal Cortex Public

Abstract

Value-based decision making refers to executing actions based on the value of expected outcomes. The medial orbital frontal cortex (mOFC) is involved in value-based decision making, particularly when outcomes are not immediately available and must be envisioned. This process is important to our everyday life because we often make decisions without immediate access to outcomes. Here, we investigate how neurotrophin systems (specifically, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor-TrkB) in the mOFC contribute to value-based decision making. We find that with TrkB activity, the mOFC is essential for the ability of mice to select actions based on the value of prospective outcomes, specifically when outcomes are not immediately observable. The receptor TrkB facilitates the formation and stabilization of dendritic spines, the primary sites of excitatory neuronal communication in the brain. We find that TrkB activity sustains the presence of mature dendritic spines – those most likely to be involved in learning and memory – on excitatory neurons in the mOFC. By investigating how neurotrophins in the mOFC contribute to value-based decision making and dendritic spine stabilization, we hope to identify novel therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric illnesses in which decision making is disrupted or impaired. 

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction......................................................1

Figures 1-2

Methods........................................................ 8

Figure 3

Results.........................................................12

Figure 4-5

Discussion....................................................19

Conclusion....................................................27

References.....................................................28 

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
Degree	B.S.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Psychology, Cognitive Biology, Neuroscience Psychology, Behavioral Sciences
Mot-clé	Addiction Decision Making Prefrontal Cortex
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Shannon Gourley, Emory University
Committee Members	Paul Lennard, Emory University Stephen Crist, Emory University David Weinshenker, Emory University

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