Molecular brake on firing pattern transitions in MHbChAT neurons to mediate nicotine-withdrawal-induced anxiety

Cholinergic neurons exhibit distinct firing patterns underlying diverse physiological and pathological states, but the mechanisms governing their dynamic switching, particularly in negative emotional contexts, remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that medial habenula cholinergic (MHb^ChAT) neurons transition from tonic to burst firing during nicotine withdrawal, driving anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Integrating transcriptomics, electrophysiology, and genetic manipulation, we identifi