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Dynamic control of visually guided locomotion through corticosubthalamic projections
Elie M Adam1, Taylor Johns1, Mriganka Sur2
1Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Cell Reports
|July 29, 2022
Summary
The secondary motor cortex (M2) pathway to the subthalamic nucleus (STN) precisely controls locomotion. This M2-STN circuit rapidly regulates the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) for visually guided movement.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Motor Control
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Goal-directed locomotion relies on cortical signals regulating spinal mechanisms.
- The corticosubthalamic hyperdirect pathway provides a direct cortical route to brainstem locomotor centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of secondary motor cortex (M2) projections to the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in controlling locomotion.
- To elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying visually guided movement initiation and cessation.
Main Methods:
- Developed a visually guided locomotion task in head-fixed mice.
- Utilized behavioral modeling, calcium imaging, and optogenetic manipulation.
- Analyzed neuronal signals in M2, STN, and pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN).
Main Results:
- The M2-STN pathway is recruited during visually guided locomotion.
- This pathway precisely controls the PPN, a key component of the mesencephalic locomotor region.
- Corticosubthalamic projections modulate PPN activity via an M2 error signal for fast control.
Conclusions:
- The M2-STN pathway plays a critical role in rapid and precise control of locomotion.
- This circuit, involving the basal ganglia, enables fine-tuning of movement based on visual cues.
- The findings offer insights into the neural basis of motor control and error correction.
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