Multiple dynamic representations in the motor cortex during sensorimotor learning.

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Nature. 2012 Apr 26;484(7395):473-8. doi: 10.1038/nature11039

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Multiple dynamic representations in the motor cortex during sensorimotor learning. Looger LabSvoboda Lab

Huber D, Gutnisky DA, Peron S, O’Connor DH, Wiegert JS, Tian L, Oertner TG, Looger L, Svoboda K

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Abstract

The mechanisms linking sensation and action during learning are poorly understood. Layer 2/3 neurons in the motor cortex might participate in sensorimotor integration and learning; they receive input from sensory cortex and excite deep layer neurons, which control movement. Here we imaged activity in the same set of layer 2/3 neurons in the motor cortex over weeks, while mice learned to detect objects with their whiskers and report detection with licking. Spatially intermingled neurons represented sensory (touch) and motor behaviours (whisker movements and licking). With learning, the population-level representation of task-related licking strengthened. In trained mice, population-level representations were redundant and stable, despite dynamism of single-neuron representations. The activity of a subpopulation of neurons was consistent with touch driving licking behaviour. Our results suggest that ensembles of motor cortex neurons couple sensory input to multiple, related motor programs during learning.

PMID: 22538608 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Multiple dynamic representations in the motor cortex during sensorimotor learning.

Abstract

PMID: 22538608 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]