Dynamic Lateralization in Contralateral-projecting Corticospinal Neurons During Motor Learning

Overview

Journal iScience

Publisher Cell Press

Date 2024 Nov 4

PMID 39493873

Authors

Jiawei Han

Ruixue Wang

Minmin Wang

Zhihua Yu

Liang Zhu

Jianmin Zhang

Junming Zhu

Shaomin Zhang

Wang Xi

Hemmings Wu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Understanding the adaptability of the motor cortex in response to bilateral motor tasks is crucial for advancing our knowledge of neural plasticity and motor learning. Here we aim to investigate the dynamic lateralization of contralateral-projecting corticospinal neurons (cpCSNs) during such tasks. Utilizing two-photon calcium imaging, we observe cpCSNs in mice performing a "left-right" lever-press task. Our findings reveal heterogeneous populational dynamics in cpCSNs: a marked decrease in activity during ipsilateral motor learning, in contrast to maintained activity during contralateral motor learning. Notably, individual cpCSNs show dynamic shifts in engagement with ipsilateral and contralateral movements, displaying an evolving pattern of activation over successive days. It suggests that cpCSNs exhibit adaptive changes in activation patterns in response to ipsilateral and contralateral movements, highlighting a flexible reorganization during motor learning This reconfiguration underscores the dynamic nature of cortical lateralization in motor learning and offers insights for neuromotor rehabilitation.

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