Functional brain networks underlying approach–avoidance conflict processing in humans and rats

Our ability to arbitrate between competing approach and avoidance motivations is thought to be an emergent property, arising from the coordinated activity of functional brain networks. Parallel lines of investigation in human and rodent research have identified candidate hub regions supporting approach–avoidance conflict (AAC) behavior, namely the anterior (ventral) hippocampus and prefrontal cortex; yet, a cross-species elucidation of the network dynamics supporting learned conflict processing has yet to be demonstrated. Here, we sought to bridge this translational gap by conducting a functional network analysis in humans and rats from brain-wide neural activity generated by learned motivational conflict. We found that the anterior hippocampus in humans and ventral hippocampus in rats occupied highly central hub-like positions in the network and were highly integrated with extrinsic functional communities. The insula, particularly the posterior insula in rats, was also identified as a putative cross-species hub. Finally, we identified shifts in network topology based on individual differences and sex in conflict preference. Our findings provide evidence for conserved network dynamics, particularly at the regional scale, supporting AAC processing in humans and rats.