Movement-specific signaling is differentially distributed across motor cortex layer 5 projection neuron classes.

ABSTRACT: Motor cortex generates descending output necessary for executing a wide range of limb movements. Although movement-related activity has been described throughout motor cortex, the spatiotemporal organization of movement-specific signaling in deep layers remains largely unknown. Here we record layer 5B population dynamics in the caudal forelimb area of motor cortex while mice perform a forelimb push/pull task and find that most neurons show movement-invariant responses, with a minority displaying movement specificity. Using cell-type-specific imaging, we identify that invariant responses dominate pyramidal tract (PT) neuron activity, with a small subpopulation representing movement type, whereas a larger proportion of intratelencephalic (IT) neurons display movement-type-specific signaling.

SUBMITTER: Currie SP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9620742 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature