Emergence of preparatory dynamics in VIP interneurons during motor learning

Cell Rep. 2023 Aug 29;42(8):112834. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112834. Epub 2023 Jul 18.

Abstract

To determine what actions to perform in each context, animals must learn how to execute motor programs in response to sensory cues. In rodents, the interface between sensory processing and motor planning occurs in the secondary motor cortex (M2). Here, we investigate dynamics in vasointestinal peptide (VIP) and somatostatin (SST) interneurons in M2 during acquisition of a cue-based, reach-to-grasp (RTG) task in mice. We observe the emergence of preparatory activity consisting of sensory responses and ramping activation in a subset of VIP interneurons during motor learning. We show that preparatory and movement activities in VIP neurons exhibit compartmentalized dynamics, with principal component 1 (PC1) and PC2 reflecting primarily movement and preparatory activity, respectively. In contrast, we observe later and more synchronous activation of SST neurons during the movement epoch with learning. Our results reveal how VIP population dynamics might support sensorimotor learning and compartmentalization of sensory processing and movement execution.

Keywords: CP: Neuroscience; VIP; cue learning; dynamics; emergence; inhibition; motor learning; preparation; secondary motor area.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Interneurons / metabolism
  • Learning
  • Mice
  • Motor Cortex* / physiology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide* / metabolism

Substances

  • Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide