Periaqueductal gray neurons encode the sequential motor program in hunting behavior of mice

Hong Yu, Xinkuan Xiang, Zongming Chen, Xu Wang, Jiaqi Dai, Xinxin Wang, Pengcheng Huang, Zheng-dong Zhao, Wei L. Shen () and Haohong Li ()
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Hong Yu: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Xinkuan Xiang: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Zongming Chen: Shanghaitech University
Xu Wang: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Jiaqi Dai: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Xinxin Wang: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Pengcheng Huang: Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Zheng-dong Zhao: Boston Children’s Hospital
Wei L. Shen: Shanghaitech University
Haohong Li: Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Nature Communications, 2021, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract Sequential encoding of motor programs is essential for behavior generation. However, whether it is critical for instinctive behavior is still largely unknown. Mouse hunting behavior typically contains a sequential motor program, including the prey search, chase, attack, and consumption. Here, we reveal that the neuronal activity in the lateral periaqueductal gray (LPAG) follows a sequential pattern and is time-locked to different hunting actions. Optrode recordings and photoinhibition demonstrate that LPAGVgat neurons are required for the prey detection, chase and attack, while LPAGVglut2 neurons are selectively required for the attack. Ablation of inputs that could trigger hunting, including the central amygdala, the lateral hypothalamus, and the zona incerta, interrupts the activity sequence pattern and substantially impairs hunting actions. Therefore, our findings reveal that periaqueductal gray neuronal ensembles encode the sequential hunting motor program, which might provide a framework for decoding complex instinctive behaviors.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26852-1

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