Competing Neural Ensembles in Motor Cortex Gate Goal-Directed Motor Output.

ABSTRACT: Unit recordings in behaving animals have revealed the transformation of sensory to motor representations in cortical neurons. However, we still lack basic insights into the mechanisms by which neurons interact to generate such transformations. Here, we study cortical circuits related to behavioral control in mice engaged in a sensory detection task. We recorded neural activity using extracellular and intracellular techniques and analyzed the task-related neural dynamics to reveal underlying circuit processes. Within motor cortex, we find two populations of neurons that have opposing spiking patterns in anticipation of movement. From correlation analyses and circuit modeling, we suggest that these dynamics reflect neural ensembles engaged in a competition. Furthermore, we demonstrate how th

SUBMITTER: Zagha E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4660255 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature