Network mechanisms of context-dependent action selection in secondary motor cortex

• Applicants: Dr. Julian Ammer, Ph.D.; Professorin Dr. Ilka Diester
• Subject Area: Experimental and Theoretical Network Neuroscience
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 539485808

Context-dependent, flexible behaviour is critical for animal survival. In mice, the anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM) is thought to be critically involved in linking contextual information to movement planning, with context-dependent responses primarily observed in cortical layer 2, and movement preparation first emerging in layer 5. How these two processes are linked, how the context and movement selective populations interact, and how context selective activity influences movement preparation is not understood. Our main goal is therefore to understand the conversion of contextual information into preparation of the appropriate action within ALM in mice. To study the population activity underlying context-dependent action selection in ALM we designed a directional licking task in a virtual environment in which the rewarded lick direction in response to an auditory cue depends on the spatial context of the virtual environment. First, we aim to describe the activity of the neuronal populations underlying both context-dependent responses and movement preparation within ALM using 2-photon population imaging. Second, we will establish the necessity of ALM in this behaviour using optogenetic manipulations. Third, we will target functionally defined subpopulations of neurons using holographic optogenetic stimulation or single cell ablation combined with 2-photon imaging to probe the network mechanisms underlying context-dependent action selection in ALM. This project will provide new insights into the population activity and network mechanisms underlying context-dependent action selection in ALM.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants