RETRACTED: Insular cortex processes aversive somatosensory information and is crucial for threat learning

• DOI: 10.1126/science.aaw0474
• Publication Date: 2019-05-16T23:05:14Z
• Authors: Emmanuelle Berret; Michael Kintscher; Shriya Palchaudhuri; Wei Tang; Denys Osypenko; Olexiy Kochubey; Ralf Schneggenburger
• Keywords: Insular cortex; Stimulus (psychology); Aversive Stimulus; Interoception

Learning about threats is essential for survival. During threat learning, an innocuous sensory percept such as a tone acquires emotional meaning when paired with aversive stimulus mild footshock. The amygdala critical memory formation, but little known upstream brain areas that process somatosensory information. Using optogenetic techniques in mice, we found silencing of the posterior insula during footshock reduced acute fear behavior and impaired 1-day memory. Insular cortex neurons respond to footshocks, acquire responses tones project distinct divisions drive versus formation. Thus, conveys information crucial learning potential dangers environment.