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Distributed and Localized Dynamics Emerge in the Mouse Neocortex during Reach-to-Grasp Behavior
Eros Quarta1,2, Alessandro Scaglione1,2, Jessica Lucchesi2
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, 50019, Italy.
Summary
Neocortical processing for reach-to-grasp (RtG) movements involves both localized and distributed brain activity. This study reveals widespread neocortical dynamics, with sensorimotor areas showing the strongest correlation to movement kinematics.
Area of Science:
- Systems Neuroscience
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
Background:
- Understanding the localization versus distribution of task-relevant neural processing in the neocortex is a fundamental question in systems neuroscience.
- While motor cortex is known to be crucial for movements like reach-to-grasp (RtG), the global neocortical activity during these actions in mice remains largely unexplored.
- Coordinated neocortical activity is increasingly recognized for its role in driving complex behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize neocortex-wide neural dynamics during reach-to-grasp (RtG) movements in mice.
- To investigate the extent to which RtG movements involve localized versus distributed neocortical processing.
- To explore the relationship between neocortical activity, functional connectivity, and movement kinematics.
Main Methods:
- Wide-field calcium imaging was employed to monitor neocortical activity in mice performing an RtG task.
- Analysis focused on neocortical dynamics, functional connectivity changes around movement onset, and correlations with movement kinematics.
- Experiments were conducted in mice of both sexes.
Main Results:
- Successful RtG movements engaged not only motor regions but also visual and retrosplenial cortices, indicating distributed processing.
- Homologous regions in the ipsilateral hemisphere were also involved in RtG.
- Functional connectivity across the neocortex transiently increased at movement onset and decreased during movement, with neural activity correlating to kinematics primarily in sensorimotor areas.
Conclusions:
- Distributed and localized neocortical dynamics coexist and co-orchestrate the efficient control of complex movements like RtG in mice.
- This study provides an unprecedented view of neocortical correlates of mammalian motor control during fine motor tasks.
- Findings highlight the involvement of widespread brain networks beyond canonical motor areas for skilled movements.
