# Project 4: Neural Basis of Behavioral Sequences

> **NIH NIH U19** · CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2020 · $735,097

## Abstract

Project 4: Neural Basis of Behavioral Sequence Loops
Abstract
The goal of Project 4 is to understand how discrete action motifs are organized into goal-directed
behavioral sequences that evolve over timescales of seconds to minutes. Behavioral sequence loops are
at the highest level of our control-loop hierarchy, where they integrate high-level sensory
representations and provide descending signals to guidance and motor loops. The execution of a
behavioral sequence requires the ability to sustain activity (persistence), as well as the ability to switch
between behaviors (fluidity). To investigate neural mechanisms of persistence and fluidity, we will
study the circuits in the fly brain that control sequential behaviors such as visually guided walking,
spatial navigation, and working memory. We will combine cell-type specific genetic driver lines with in
vivo 2-photon imaging and electrophysiology to understand how these circuits balance competing
demands to select and drive sequential behaviors. We will then use optogenetic tools to test specific
circuit models of behavioral sequence generation in freely behaving flies. These studies are divided into
the following three Specific Aims:
Specific Aim 1: Defining the cellular basis of stochastic control of walking.
Specific Aim 2: Identify the neural circuitry underlying path integration.
Specific Aim 3: Investigate the network mechanisms of counter-turning behavior.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9971621
- **Project number:** 5U19NS104655-04
- **Recipient organization:** CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Rachel Wilson
- **Activity code:** U19 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $735,097
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9971621

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9971621, Project 4: Neural Basis of Behavioral Sequences (5U19NS104655-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9971621. Licensed CC0.

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