Neural Circuits for Goal-Directed Sensorimotor Transformations

Precisely wired neuronal circuits process sensory information in a learning- and context-dependent manner in order to govern behavior. Simple sensory decision-making tasks in rodents are now beginning to reveal the contributions of distinct cell types and brain regions participating in the conversion of sensory information into learned goal-directed motor output. Task learning is accompanied by target-specific routing of sensory information to specific downstream cortical regions, with higher-order cortical regions such as the posterior parietal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus appearing to play important roles in learning- and context-dependent processing of sensory input. An important challenge for future research is to connect cell-type-specific activity in these brain regions with motor neurons responsible for action initiation. Sensory information is processed in primary sensory cortices and transformed into behaviorally relevant signals, in part via corticocortical circuits involving feedback and feedforward projections to higher areas. Learning of a goal-directed sensorimotor transformation is accompanied by changes in the routing of sensory information from the primary sensory cortex to downstream cortical regions. The posterior parietal cortex contributes to multisensory integration and resolution of multisensory conflict. The medial prefrontal cortex and dorsal hippocampus contribute to context-dependent sensory-to-motor transformation.