Emergence of task-specific neuronal ensembles in human motor and premotor cortex with learning using a brain-computer interface

项目摘要 中风经常会导致严重的长期运动障碍，最大限度地减少这种障碍是一种治疗方法。 中风康复的主要重点。动物模型研究和人类非侵入性成像研究 表明运动皮层内变异性的降低与技能表现的改善有关。 然而，在运动皮层以外的单个神经元水平上的变化， 并没有得到很好的理解。更好地理解运动技能获得的神经生理学基础， 提供改进的神经康复策略。 皮质内脑机接口（iBCI）可以记录单个神经元水平的活动， 提供了一个独特的机会来研究人类运动的神经相关性。在这项研究中，我建议使用 一个iBCI框架，用于跟踪运动皮层中任务相关神经元集合的演变，并确定 学习过程中运动皮层和前运动皮层之间的关系。为了做到这一点，正在进行的试点项目的参与者 临床试验将学会调节一个（目标）神经元的放电率，以控制一个神经元的运动。 光标在屏幕上。 在目标1中，我将在单个神经元的水平上量化人类运动皮层的变化 学习一项新的运动任务。在目标2中，我将评估运动皮层和运动前皮层在学习过程中的变化。 这将在神经元水平上提供关于运动学习的第一个人类特定信息，并将阐明 网络是如何在学习过程中进化的。在目标3中，我将改变目标神经元，并评估如何 网络重组以适应新技能。这将使我能够探索技能模式 学习是保守的，并且对于中风治疗可能是特别有用的，因为中风恢复涉及 网络重组和再学习。 这项研究将建立一个框架，研究人类运动学习的水平， 神经元这项研究的结果将提供关于神经活动如何随着运动而变化的新信息。 跨脑区域的技能学习，并可能为中风治疗的合理发展提供见解。 该研究金还将支持技术和学术培训及专业发展， 申请人，包括神经工程高级培训;一般神经科学培训;正式和 书面和口头科学交流方面的非正式培训，包括撰写手稿和出席 会议;教学和辅导培训;以及就业市场准备。这项研究将在 布朗大学高度跨学科和支持性的研究环境，并与 马萨诸塞州总医院和普罗维登斯退伍军人事务医疗中心。

PROJECT SUMMARY Stroke frequently causes significant long-term motor impairment, and minimizing this impairment is a major focus of stroke rehabilitation. Research in animal models and non-invasive imaging studies in humans suggest that decreases in variability within motor cortex are associated with improvements in skill performance. However, the changes at the level of single neurons that underly human motor learning beyond motor cortex are not well understood. A better understanding of the neurophysiologic basis of motor skill acquisition may inform improved neurorehabilitation strategies. Intracortical brain-computer interfaces (iBCIs) can record activity at the level of single neurons, and offer a unique opportunity to study the neural correlates of movement in humans. In this study, I propose to use an iBCI framework to track the evolution of task-relevant ensembles of neurons in motor cortex, and determine the relationship between motor and premotor cortex during learning. To do this, participants in an ongoing pilot clinical trial will learn to modulate the firing rate of one (target) neuron in order to control the movement of a cursor on a screen. In Aim 1, I will quantify changes within human motor cortex at the level of single neurons as a person learns a novel motor task. In Aim 2, I will assess changes between motor and premotor cortex with learning. This will provide the first human-specific information on motor learning at the neuronal level, and will clarify how the network evolves over the course of learning. In Aim 3, I will change the target neuron and assess how the network reorganizes to accommodate a new skill. This will allow me to probe how well the pattern of skill learning is conserved, and may be particularly informative for stroke treatment as stroke recovery involves network reorganization and relearning. This research will develop a framework for studying motor learning in humans at the level of single neurons. Results from this study will provide novel information about how neural activity changes with motor skill learning across brain regions, and may provide insight for the rational development of stroke treatments. This fellowship will also support the technical and academic training and professional development of the applicant, including advanced training in neuroengineering; general neuroscience training; formal and informal training in written and oral scientific communication, including writing manuscripts and attendance at conferences; teaching and mentoring training; and job market preparation. This research will be conducted in the highly inter-disciplinary and supportive research environment at Brown University, and in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital and the Providence Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center.