Scaffolding of brain operations: the role of beta oscillations in forming flexible neural ensembles

项目总结 大脑不断地根据知觉输入和内部信号做出决定， 快速权衡和处理信息，导致目标导向型行为。一个关键方面 对所有这些过程至关重要的是交流：从一个大脑网络传输信息 到下一个。然而，我们才刚刚开始了解大脑是如何做到这一点的。这里 我们建议对这个问题进行研究。这个项目的首要目标是阐明如何 大脑建立了与工作记忆和决策有关的功能神经结构- 制作。我们认为，脑部在贝塔频段(15-30赫兹)的振荡起着关键作用 在形成灵活的神经系综时。我们提出了一个新的理论框架，描绘了 Beta节律灵活地建立了瞬时网络，连接了与 当前任务需求，特别是在内源性信息处理方面(例如，工作 记忆、决策)。在这个观点中，测试版为信息传输提供了脚手架， 通过临时连接相关节点通过大脑发送信息，从而 可以进行信息交换。我们认为，β节律短暂地激活了神经 合奏，允许它广播其消息-编码为(群体)尖峰活动-从而 它可以被高效地和有效地接收。为了测试这个框架，我们在这里的目标是：1)检查 β振荡在动态神经系综形成中的作用及其与行为的关系 性能，2)确定Beta介导族的基本电路级生理学 形成，以及3)建立贝塔介导的系综形成的一般性，并识别非 侵入性生物标记物。我们将在健康人身上使用脑电记录的组合， 以及清醒行为啮齿动物的颅内电生理学和光发生神经调节。 人类受试者和动物都将执行空间工作记忆范式，关键是 允许跨记录级别的垂直整合。人类受试者还会表现出 不同感觉通道和较高抽象水平的工作记忆任务 保证结果的概括性，并允许识别用于 未来的患者研究。这种方法旨在回答核心的机械问题：如何 地方乐团是如何形成的，这些乐团是如何调制的？至关重要的是，我们将确定 这些关于行为的机制。该项目将提供基本的见解，将设定 对健康受试者和贝塔受损患者进行进一步详细调查的阶段 功能和认知障碍，如帕金森氏症和精神分裂症。

PROJECT SUMMARY The brain constantly makes decisions based on perceptual input as well as internal signals, quickly weighing and processing information, leading to goal-directed behavior. One key aspect crucial to all these processes is communication: the transfer of information from one brain network to the next. However, we are only beginning to understand how the brain accomplishes this. Here we propose to study exactly this question. The overarching goal of this project is to elucidate how the brain sets up the functional neural architecture involved in working memory and decision- making. We argue that brain oscillations in the beta frequency band (15–30 Hz) play a critical role in forming flexible neural ensembles. We propose a novel theoretical framework, delineating how the beta rhythm flexibly sets up transient networks, linking neuronal circuits that are relevant to current task demands, especially in terms of endogenous information processing (e.g., working memory, decision-making). In this view, beta provides the scaffolding for information transfer, routing information through the brain by temporarily connecting relevant nodes such that exchange of information can take place. We propose that the beta rhythm briefly activates a neural ensemble, allowing it to broadcast its message—encoded in (population) spike activity—such that it can be efficiently and effectively received. To test this framework, we here aim to: 1) examine the role of beta oscillations in dynamic neural ensemble formation and its relation to behavioral performance, 2) identify the underlying circuit-level physiology of beta-mediated ensemble formation, and 3) establish the generality of beta-mediated ensemble formation and identify non- invasive biomarkers. We will use a combination of EEG recordings in healthy human subjects, and intracranial electrophysiology and optogenetic neuromodulation in awake-behaving rodents. Both human subjects and animals will perform a spatial working-memory paradigm, critically allowing vertical integration across recording levels. Human subjects will additionally perform working-memory tasks in different sensory modalities and at higher levels of abstraction to guarantee generalizability of results, and to allow for identification of biomarkers to be used in future patient studies. This approach is designed to answer core mechanistic questions: how are local ensembles formed and how are these modulated? Critically, we will determine the effect of these mechanisms on behavior. The project will provide fundamental insights that will set the stage for further detailed investigations in healthy human subjects and patients with impaired beta functioning and cognitive impairment, such as in Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.