Frontal cortical networks associated with distinct virtual navigation strategies

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Learning to find our way in a new environment is a process that involves perceptual, memory, and executive components which are mediated by a large network of structures in the brain. To date, human navigation research has focused on the hippocampus, a brain area that is responsible for spatial memory as well as autobiographical memories. However, little is known about the executive processes involved in navigation, such as selecting a navigation strategy or planning a journey. These functions are likely to be mediated by the frontal cortex, a brain region thought to be responsible for the control of behaviour. The purpose of the current research program is to elucidate the fundamental executive processes of navigation and to determine their neural underpinnings. We will use a cutting-edge multimodal approach to investigate the role of the frontal cortex in navigation. We will use neuroimaging to identify the frontal cortex areas that are involved in various navigation strategies, how they are related to navigation ability, and how they are connected to other brain areas important for navigation. To determine whether these areas are critical to navigation, we will temporarily and non-invasively stimulate or disrupt the activity in these areas using transcranial magnetic stimulation to selectively enhance or impair navigation. We will also test patients with frontal lobe damage and measure the resulting deficits in navigation. The current research program will enable us to enrich the scientific body of knowledge on the executive processes of navigation. It will generate knowledge on the role of the frontal cortex in navigation and on its connectivity. It will also present new avenues towards enhancing navigation, which will benefit Canada in that it may eventually increase people's autonomy in their everyday lives, which will in turn increase their quality of life. The executive control of navigation has been mostly studied in animals, thus the current research program will serve as a bridge for translational research in this domain. By undertaking research in this area, we will attract highly qualified personnel from around the world.