# Spatial and sensorimotor encoding for goal-directed navigation

> **NIH NIH F30** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2020 · $50,520

## Abstract

Abstract
How neural circuits implement goal-based spatial navigation is an open question. In insects such as
Drosophila, navigation and spatial-memory behaviors have been associated with a group of brain regions
called the central complex. The central complex is a useful system to study the neural computations of
navigation because heading direction signals (and likely other spatial variables) are topographically
represented in genetically defined neuron types. This project aims to determine the sensorimotor and goal-
related variables encoded in the fan-shaped body, one of the regions in the central complex. The experiments
proposed here will use in vivo two-photon calcium imaging in tethered walking flies in a visual virtual-reality
environment. Understanding the variables encoded by specific cell types in the fan-shaped body will provide
insight into how internal representations of space are transformed into navigational goals and motor outputs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9789653
- **Project number:** 5F30DC017698-02
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** Jenny Lu
- **Activity code:** F30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $50,520
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-01-01 → 2020-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9789653

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9789653, Spatial and sensorimotor encoding for goal-directed navigation (5F30DC017698-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9789653. Licensed CC0.

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