Causative mechanisms of mesoscopic activity patterns in auditory category discrimination

范畴的形成是认识的一个基本要素。然而，其神经元机制在很大程度上仍然未知。虽然以前大多数关于类别辨别的工作都集中在高级皮层区域，但最近的工作已经指出了感觉脑区域的重要作用。本文采用调频扫描和去/不去毽子模式，建立了蒙古沙鼠听觉类别辨别学习的鲁棒模型。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层，(3)研究学习的神经化学和蛋白质组学后果。与此建议特别相关的是，我们已经证明(4)通过表面ECoG阵列测量的神经种群活动的介观空间模式可以准确预测动物的行为/认知决策。在本研究中，我们探讨了导致这种中观神经活动模式及其行为结果的病因机制。在新的资助期内，我们将把重点放在从以前的正确和错误决策中学习的因果机制上。我们继续通过独立建立分类行为的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结合来实现。通过将我们在中观活动方面的发现与新开发的基于尖峰的分析相结合，我们进一步希望阐明行为相关的神经元特征在中观水平和单单元组装的微观水平上的关系。我们对SPP 1665的贡献的独特性在于在丰富的认知/行为任务背景下，在皮层活动的中观和微观水平上进行直接因果调查。为了在这个中观水平上获得新的见解，我们使用了先进的工具（WP1），一个强大的听觉类别识别实验模型和先进的计算分析（WP2+3）。因此，我们通过整合工具制造商、实验者和分析师的活动，充分利用spp1665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.