Causative mechanisms of mesoscopic activity patterns in auditory category discrimination

范畴的形成是认知的一个基本要素。然而，其神经机制在很大程度上仍不清楚。虽然以前大多数关于类别歧视的研究都集中在大脑皮层较高的区域，但最近的研究指出，感觉脑区已经发挥了重要作用。我们建立了蒙古沙鼠听觉类别辨别学习的稳健模型，使用调频(FM)扫描和GO/NO-GO Shutlebox范式。我们使用这个模型来研究(1)听觉类别学习的行为特征，(2)将这种功能定位于听觉皮质，以及(3)研究学习的神经化学和蛋白质组学结果。与这一建议特别相关的是，我们已经证明(4)通过表面ECoG阵列测量的神经种群活动的中观空间模式可以准确地预测动物的行为/认知决策。在这个提案中，我们探讨了导致这种中观神经活动模式及其行为结果的原因机制。在新的筹资期间，我们将侧重于从以前的正确和错误的决定中吸取教训时不同地采用的因果机制。我们继续通过独立地为分类行为建立必要和充分的生理前提来证明因果关系。这将通过我们在第一个资助期开发的行为、电生理和光遗传学技术的组合来实现。通过将我们来自介观活动的发现与新开发的基于脉冲的分析相结合，我们进一步希望阐明中观水平上的行为相关神经元特征与单个单元组件的微观水平的关系。我们对SPP1665的贡献的独特性在于在丰富的认知/行为任务的背景下，在中观和微观水平的皮质活动的直接因果调查。为了在这个中观层面上获得新的见解，我们使用了先进的工具(WP1)，一个健壮的听觉类别辨别和高级计算分析的实验模型(WP23)。因此，我们通过整合工具制造商、实验者和分析员的活动，充分利用SPP 1665的三驾马车协作概念。

The formation of categories is a fundamental element of cognition. However, its neuronal mechanisms remain largely unknown. While most previous work on category discrimination has focused on higher cortical areas, recent work points to important roles already of sensory brain areas. We have established a robust model of auditory category discrimination learning in the Mongolian gerbil, using frequency modulated (FM)-sweeps and a go/no-go shuttlebox paradigm. We have used this model to investigate (1) behavioral characteristics of auditory category learning, (2) to localize such function to the auditory cortex, and (3) to investigate neurochemical and proteomic consequences of learning. Particularly relevant for this proposal, we have shown that (4) mesoscopic spatial patterns of neural population activity as measured by surface ECoG arrays can accurately predict the animals' behavioral/cognitive decision. In this proposal, we explore the causative mechanisms leading to such mesoscopic neural activity patterns and their behavioral outcome. In the new funding period we will focus on the causal mechanisms that are differentially recruited during learning from previous correct and incorrect decisions. We continue to demonstrate causality by independently establishing the necessary and sufficient physiological preconditions for the categorization behaviour. This will be achieved by a combination of behavioral, electrophysiological and optogenetic techniques that we have developed during the first funding period. By combining our findings from mesoscopic activity with newly developed spike-based analysis, we further hope to illuminate the relationship of behaviourally relevant neuronal signatures on the mesoscopic levels and the microscopic levels of single-unit assemblies The uniqueness of our contribution to the SPP 1665 lies in direct causal investigation at the mesoscopic and microscopic level of cortical activity, in the context of a rich cognitive/behavioral task. In order to achieve new insights at this mesoscopic level, we employ advanced tools (WP1), a robust experimental model of auditory category discrimination and advanced computational analysis (WP2+3). We thereby take full advantage of the troika collaborative concept of the SPP 1665, by integrating activities of a toolmaker, an experimenter and an analyst.