Authors:

Sein Kim

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About Paper:

Learning and memory encoding have traditionally been attributed to higher-order brain regions such as the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. However, recent evidence suggests that early sensory cortices, including the primary visual cortex (V1), also play a role in these cognitive functions. While previous studies suggest V1 contributes to learning, the specific role of V1 neuronal ensembles in encoding task- relevant stimuli and guiding behavior remains unclear. In this work, we sought to identify and target ensembles specifically during reward association. We then determined whether selective activation of these targeted ensembles during learning can alter memory formation and task performance. We hypothesize that behavioral responses can be evoked just by activating the V1 network. In order to label active neurons in V1, we used TRAP2/Ai32 mice and trained them to perform a visual Go/No-Go discrimination task. Once the mice learned the task, we labeled all active neurons during the Go stimulus and optogenetically activated them in V1 to induce reward behavior. We recorded behavioral performance across sessions and analyzed learning curves to assess the impact of the V1 network in memory encoding. Results from this study show that targeting neuronal ensembles in V1 is sufficient to induce behavioral responses in mice. These results support the idea that V1 is actively involved in learning and memory processes, and highlight the potential of cortical ensemble stimulation to influence learning behavior, providing a potential therapeutic avenue for neurological learning deficits. Keywords: V1 Neuronal Ensembles; Reward Association; Optogenetics; TRAP2/Ai32 Mice; Memory Encoding

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

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Co-authors:

Sein Kim