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In Vivo Wireless Optogenetic Control of Skilled Motor Behavior
Published on: November 22, 2021
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Sensory cortical control of movement
Spyridon K Karadimas1,2, Kajana Satkunendrarajah3,4, Alex M Laliberte5,6
1Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Spyros.Karadimas@mail.utoronto.ca.
Nature Neuroscience
|November 20, 2019
Summary
The somatosensory cortex directly controls locomotion speed via a novel corticospinal pathway. This pathway influences cervical neurons and the lumbar locomotor network, independent of the motor cortex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Somatosensory System
Background:
- Locomotion relies on integrated spatiotemporal information processed in the somatosensory cortex.
- Descending motor cortex tracts were presumed to influence movement.
- The direct role of the somatosensory cortex in motor control was unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the primary somatosensory cortex in locomotion.
- To identify direct neural pathways from the somatosensory cortex to motor networks.
- To elucidate the influence of somatosensory cortex activity on locomotor behavior.
Main Methods:
- Optogenetics and pharmacogenetics in freely moving mice.
- In vivo and in vitro electrophysiology.
- Neuronal tracing and pathway stimulation/inhibition.
Main Results:
- Primary somatosensory cortex neuronal activity correlates with locomotion onset and speed.
- A direct corticospinal pathway from the somatosensory cortex to cervical excitatory neurons was identified.
- This pathway modulates the lumbar locomotor network independently of the motor cortex.
- Stimulation enhanced locomotion speed; inhibition decreased or terminated stepping.
Conclusions:
- The somatosensory cortex directly influences motor behavior through a novel corticospinal pathway.
- This pathway provides a direct link between sensory processing and motor output for locomotion.
- The findings challenge the traditional view of motor control originating solely from the motor cortex.
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