# Dissecting the contributions of activity in specific neural populations to motor control using closed-loop optogenetic manipulations

> **NIH NIH U19** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2021 · $425,916

## Abstract

Abstract
The ability to understand neural circuit mechanisms underlying behavior and motor control is critically
dependent on our ability to modulate the activity of functional neural circuits reversibly, and with single cell
precision. This project will causally test the predictions from Projects1-4 and in turn inform the models, data
analyses and data collection in other Projects 2-4. For a clear understanding of the circuit mechanisms
underlying motor control, cell-specific cortical and subcortical areas will be optogenetic manipulated through
the use of closed-loop paradigms to directly assess the contributions of particular neural populations, or
particular types of activity dynamics, on motor control. We will use 3 types of closed-loop operant paradigms:
i) closed-loop paradigms where we optogenetically manipulate the activity of specific neuronal populations
based on the behavioral state, ii) closed-loop paradigms where we optogenetically manipulate the activity of
specific neuronal populations based on their activity, and iii) closed-loop paradigms where the neural activity
will produce a specific behavioral outcome. We will test the contribution of cortical and subcortical areas to the
activity of specific CSN populations and motor behavior by triggering the optogenetic manipulations on
particular epochs of the behavior. We will also characterize the role of functionally identified neurons by using
holographic optogenetic manipulations triggered by the neural activity patterns. Finally, we will use optical
closed-loop operant brain-machine paradigms to investigate how upstream neural populations contribute to
activity of corticospinal neurons versus non-corticospinal neurons in motor cortex. These experiments will test
with multiple approaches the same hypotheses, and will permit us to causally establish causal connections
between neural activity in different areas, and neural activity and behavior. They will provide unvaluable
knowledge about the role of particular corticospinal neurons with specific projection patterns or with specific
activity patterns, and also inform us about the identity and the contributions of cortical and subcortical neural
populations to corticospinal activity, and to movement.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10224735
- **Project number:** 5U19NS104649-05
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Rui M. Costa
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $425,916
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-25 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10224735

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10224735, Dissecting the contributions of activity in specific neural populations to motor control using closed-loop optogenetic manipulations (5U19NS104649-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10224735. Licensed CC0.

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