Objective
The CODI-MAP aims to address a fundamental question: How do the cerebral cortex and cerebellum cooperate to generate and regulate movements? Despite their pivotal contribution to motor control, the complex nature of cortico-cerebellar interaction remains a mystery. Our recent work has demonstrated a significant interdependency between the cortical and cerebellar activities, however the precise architecture and computational strategy that cortico-cerebellar circuits employ to generate and maintain task specific information is unknown.
Here, I propose to comprehensively address the detailed reciprocal connectivity of the cortico-cerebellar circuits, their functional interaction during goal directed voluntary movements, as well as their contribution to sensorimotor learning. Our central hypothesis is that the cortico-cerebellar circuits form complex networks characterized by both extensive convergence and divergence. This configuration provides a spectrum of task-related functional modules for sensorimotor control and learning. By engaging specific functional modules, the cortico-cerebellar networks achieve the required spatiotemporal precision for directing movements. We will first systematically dissect the anatomical and molecular features of the cortico-cerebellar pathways using a suite of sophisticated combinatorial viral-genetic strategies. Next, we will identify and manipulate the functional circuits that control forelimb movements using novel multi-regional electrophysiological and optical methods. Finally, we will combine in silico simulation with dual-regional optical recording and manipulation to uncover the plastic changes within cortico-cerebellar circuits during learning.
The outcome of this project has the potential to challenge the conventional perspective that considers cortex and cerebellum as distinct computational entities, proposing a multi-regional integrative circuitry, thereby unveiling fundamental principles of how the brain generates action.
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC GrantsHost institution
3015 GD Rotterdam
Netherlands