# Neural basis of behavior in freely moving macaques

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · 2021 · $741,745

## Abstract

Abstract
 Behavior and its associated executive processes can be categorized into lower-level movements, but
also into higher-level states. States are controlled on a moment-to-moment basis by goals and likely
implemented by specific brain circuits, including dorsal prefrontal cortical structures. The ability to properly
select behaviors and to switch between them is critical for healthy cognitive functioning. Disruption of state
control is a hallmark of addiction. Understanding how the brain implements and switches between states
therefore offers the hope of improve their control. The central premise of this proposal is that understanding the
neural control of states in macaques can help us understand neural control of states more generally. We
believe this is best done in freely moving animals because behavioral expression is too constrained to be
interpretable in typical laboratory contexts. A major barrier is the difficulty in tracking macaques’ body positions,
which is essential for state identification. We have recently solved the tracking problem. Using an
electrophysiological recording system amenable to recording in a freely moving environment, we will record
responses of hundreds of neurons in dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and the dorsolateral prefrontal
cortex (dlPFC). These cortical regions, which are unique (dlPFC) or greatly modified (dACC) in the primate
order, are strongly associated with control of behavior, are associated with simple cognitive states and with
regulation of behavior in humans, and are prominently dysregulated in addiction. They also have strong and
direct projections to the primary and secondary motor systems, putting them in an ideal position to drive
behavior, and suggesting they may have a high-level relationship with control of behavior. However, while they
are linked to these processes, we know almost nothing about their neuron-level relationship with control of
behavior. We will place animals in our large cage system and have them perform a foraging task in which they
naturally cycle through behaviors and then link them with brain activity in dACC and dlPFC. This will let us
resolve several outstanding issues, including what role these regions have in behavioral control and how they
relate to each other.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10275271
- **Project number:** 1R01MH125377-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- **Principal Investigator:** BENJAMIN Y HAYDEN
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $741,745
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-07-01 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10275271

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10275271, Neural basis of behavior in freely moving macaques (1R01MH125377-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10275271. Licensed CC0.

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