Emergence of preparatory dynamics in VIP interneurons during motor learning

To determine what actions to perform in each context, animals must learn how to execute motor programs in response to sensory cues. In rodents, the interface between sensory processing and motor planning occurs in the secondary motor cortex (M2). Here, we investigate dynamics in vasointestinal peptide (VIP) and so-matostatin (SST) interneurons in M2 during acquisition of a cue-based, reach-to-grasp (RTG) task in mice. We observe the emergence of preparatory activity consisting of sensory responses and ramping activation in a subset of VIP interneurons during motor learning. We show that preparatory and movement activities in VIP neurons exhibit compartmentalized dynamics, with principal component 1 (PC1) and PC2 reflecting pri-marily movement and preparatory activity, respectively. In contrast, we observe later and more synchronous activation of SST neurons during the movement epoch with learning. Our results reveal how VIP population dynamics might support sensorimotor learning and compartmentalization of sensory processing and move-ment execution.

Automated summary

In order to determine actions in different contexts, animals need to learn how to perform motor programs based on sensory cues. In rodents, the secondary motor cortex (M2) is where sensory processing and motor planning intersect. This study investigates the dynamics of vasointestinal peptide (VIP) and somatostatin (SST) interneurons in M2 during the acquisition of a cue-based reach-to-grasp task in mice. The results show the emergence of preparatory activity in a subset of VIP interneurons during motor learning, while SST neurons exhibit later and more synchronized activation during movement with learning. These findings provide insight into the role of VIP population dynamics in sensorimotor learning and the compartmentalization of sensory processing and movement execution.