Transforming absolute value to categorical choice in primate superior colliculus during value-based decision making

Beizhen Zhang (), Janis Ying Ying Kan, Mingpo Yang, Xiaochun Wang, Jiahao Tu and Michael Christopher Dorris ()
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Beizhen Zhang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Janis Ying Ying Kan: Queen’s University
Mingpo Yang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Xiaochun Wang: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jiahao Tu: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Michael Christopher Dorris: Chinese Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Value-based decision making involves choosing from multiple options with different values. Despite extensive studies on value representation in various brain regions, the neural mechanism for how multiple value options are converted to motor actions remains unclear. To study this, we developed a multi-value foraging task with varying menu of items in non-human primates using eye movements that dissociates value and choice, and conducted electrophysiological recording in the midbrain superior colliculus (SC). SC neurons encoded “absolute” value, independent of available options, during late fixation. In addition, SC neurons also represent value threshold, modulated by available options, different from conventional motor threshold. Electrical stimulation of SC neurons biased choices in a manner predicted by the difference between the value representation and the value threshold. These results reveal a neural mechanism directly transforming absolute values to categorical choices within SC, supporting highly efficient value-based decision making critical for real-world economic behaviors.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23747-z

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