Claustrum neurons signal prediction errors during aversive learning

Researchers recorded single-neuron activity from the human claustrum during aversive learning, comparing it with anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala recordings. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggests claustrum neurons track uncertainty and prediction error—the mismatch between expected and actual outcomes. The claustrum is a thin, deep brain structure connected broadly to the neocortex.

Researchers at Yale and collaborating institutions examined the claustrum, a slender deep-brain structure with extensive two-way links to most of the neocortex. They recorded individual neurons in seven epilepsy patients who already had electrodes implanted for clinical seizure mapping. Participants played a computer game steering a virtual spacecraft through gaps in moving asteroid belts, while the likely safe routes shifted.

Recordings compared claustrum activity with the anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala, though not every patient contributed data from all three areas. A mathematical model estimated uncertainty and prediction error as conditions changed. The findings, published in Nature Neuroscience, suggest claustrum and anterior cingulate neurons showed structured, task-related responses, with distinct subgroups encoding stimulus onset and action-linked outcomes.

Count words. First para: Researchers(1) at2 Yale3 and4 collaborating5 institutions6 examined7 the8 claustrum9, a10 slender11 deep-brain12 structure13 with14 extensive15 two-way16 links17 to18 most19 of20 the21 neocortex22. They23 recorded24 individual25 neurons26 in27 seven28 epilepsy29 patients30 who31 already32 had33 electrodes34 implanted35 for36 clinical37 seizure38 mapping39. Participants40 played41 a42 computer43 game44 steering45 a46 virtual47 spacecraft48 through49 gaps50 in51 moving52 asteroid53 belts54, while55 the56 likely57 safe58 routes59 shifted60. First 60.

Second: Recordings61 compared62