Figure 1. Hypothesized model for vCA1 encoding properties and engagement of downstream targets.

First, vCA1 integrates diverse external and internal stimuli and then shapes output signals to engage downstream areas for appropriate behavioral selection. This is a shared feature among a number of approach/avoidance behaviors such as in the elevated plus maze (a), social interaction (b), and food approach/consumption (c). The circuit mechanisms and local computations in vCA1 that integrate inputs to tune output signals remains an area of active investigation.