PhD Scientific Days 2026

Poster Session 3.N - Neurosciences

A Novel Brainstem Reward Centre Induces Reward-Seeking Behavior

Előadó neve

Dr. Sebestény, Réka Zsófia

Neptune code

FODU68

Előadó munkahelye

HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine

Előadó telefonszáma

06705750615

Előadó e-mail címe

reka.sebesteny@gmail.com

Az előadás címe

A Novel Brainstem Reward Centre Induces Reward-Seeking Behavior

Szerző(k) neve és munkahelye

Réka Zsófia Sebestény Dr.¹

1: HUN-REN Institute of Experimental Medicine

Bemutatás módja

Poszter

Szekció

Poster Session 3.N - Neurosciences

Language of the presentation

English

Preferred session

Neurosciences

Összefoglaló szövege

The lateral habenula (LHb) is a key regulatory center for the processing of negative experiences and adaptive decision-making, integrating sensory and experience-related information to modulate motivational and cognitive processes. Although the LHb is extensively connected with hindbrain regions, the functional significance of its brainstem inputs remains poorly understood. Using viral tracing approaches in transgenic mice, we labeled all inhibitory inputs to the LHb and identified a previously unrecognized gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) -ergic cell population in the pontine central gray. We termed this newly identified structure the subventricular tegmental nucleus (SVTg). Optogenetic behavioral experiments revealed that activation of the SVTg induced place preference, whereas inhibition elicited place avoidance. Furthermore, mice robustly self-stimulated the SVTg, indicating a role for this nucleus in reward-seeking behavior. SVTg activation also reduced anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze and attenuated fear responses during contextual fear conditioning. Using cell type–specific retrograde rabies virus tracing, we demonstrated that the SVTg receives inputs from pontine, midbrain, and cortical regions. Focusing on cortical connectivity, stimulation of orbitofrontal cortex projections to the SVTg similarly induced place preference. Together, these findings identify a novel GABAergic pontine nucleus that plays a critical role in modulating negative experiences and reward-related behaviors, with potential implications in the pathophysiology of anxiety-related disorders.
Funding: This project was supported by the EKÖP-2025-470 and by the National Academy of Scientist Education.

University

Semmelweis University

Supervisor

Dr. Nyiri Gábor

Publication of my abstract

I give consent to the publication of my abstract on the website of the congress.

phd.section.field

in doctoral studies before complex exam (PhD)

Kind

Szabad

Status

elfogadva

Accepted presentation method

poszter

Előadás fájl jóváhagyás

nem rendelkezett róla

Előadó

9707

Start

13:54

End

13:57