Shifting attention to orient or avoid: a unifying account of the tail of the striatum and its dopaminergic inputs
Isobel Green, Ryunosuke Amo, Mitsuko Watabe‐Uchida
Abstract
The tail of the striatum (TS) is increasingly recognized as a unique subdivision of the striatum, characterized by its dense sensory inputs and projections received from a distinct group of dopamine neurons. Separate lines of research have characterized the functional role of TS and TS-projecting dopamine neurons in three realms: saccadic eye movement toward valuable visual stimuli, tone-guided choice between two options, and defensive responses to threatening stimuli. We propose a framework for reconciling these diverse roles as varied implementations of a conserved response to salient stimuli, with dopamine in TS providing a teaching signal to promote quick attentional shifts that facilitate stimulus-driven orientation and/or avoidance. • Tail of the striatum (TS) is the sensory domain of the striatum. • TS may signal stimulus-associated salience predictions to induce attentional shifts. • TS and TS-projecting dopamine neurons promote orienting and avoidance. • TS may impact both sensory representation and attentional shifts. • TS/TS dopamine mediates perception and threat prediction based on physical salience.