How do internal states impact motor output?

Outwardly observable behaviors are frequently controlled by internal representations of strategy or task structure. We are interested in the neural circuits that provide these key latent organizers of motor behavior. Several of these projects were initially developed with a generous gift from the Foundation for OCD Research (FFOR) and will provide circuit mechanisms of high relevance to OCD pathophysiology.

Balancing Positive and Negative Reinforcement Strategies

The “pull” of reward and the “repulsion” of aversive outcomes both exert strong control on behavior. The neural circuits mediating these distinct processes remain poorly understood, as does how animals balance these paths in shaping action. Our lab is examining the neural circuits for positive and negative reinforcement and how these strategies are regulated.

(A) Schematized balance between action strategies for seeking rewards and avoiding aversive outcomes. (B) Paradigm whereby tones are associated with either positive or negative reinforcement strategies. (C) Following associative learning, psychometric response functions using intermediate non-trained tones can be used to reveal intrinsic animal biases towards reinforcement strategy.

Tracking Task Progress

Internal representations of task structure (“knowing where you are in a multi-step process”) are essential in efficient action control. Our lab has designed tasks that reveal the latent signals of when a task is completed. We examine neural circuits that track underlying task structure to shape action completion.

(A) Schematic for "completion task," which requires mice to follow four lever-1 presses with a lever-2 press to signal completion of the motor sequence. (B) Raster plots of all possible sequences from a single mouse including normal (4 press), impulsive (3 or fewer presses), and compulsive (>4 presses) responding. (C) Performance across training for 'guided' versus self-paced (internally guided) trials. (C, bottom) Proportion of trial types across training day.