Preconfigured cortico-thalamic neural dynamics constrain movement-associated thalamic activity.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Motor Control
• Neural Circuits

Background:

• Neural preconfigured activity patterns (nPAPs) are proposed building blocks for cognitive and sensory processing.
• Their presence and function in motor networks remain understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the existence of nPAPs in the motor thalamus (VL/VM).
• Explore the contribution of these patterns to motor-related activity.

Main Methods:

• Recorded multiunitary activity in the mouse VL/VM during optogenetically stimulated M1 activity and forelimb movements.
• Analyzed neural activity for stereotypical patterns and their correlation with behavior.

Main Results:

• VL/VM activity exhibited rigid, stereotypical patterns at single and population levels.
• These patterns were experience-independent and present across animals.
• Specific M1-evoked patterns correlated with specific movement-related patterns.

Conclusions:

• The motor thalamus contains nPAPs that are linked to motor functions.
• Specific neural subpopulations are defined by their associated nPAPs and behavioral relevance.