Targeted stimulation of motor cortex ensembles drives learned movements.

Targeted stimulation of about 20 M1 L2/3 neurons can induce learned movements and reproduce activity patterns associated with skilled motor behavior in mice.

• Why it matters: Understanding whether primary motor cortex actively generates learned movements is crucial for deciphering motor control mechanisms and developing neuroprosthetic interventions.
• What they did: Researchers combined in vivo two-photon calcium imaging with holographic optogenetics to stimulate functionally defined M1 L2/3 ensembles during a lever-pressing task, analyzing trial-by-trial variability.
• The result: Stimulation induced learned activity and movements when M1 was in an optimal initial state, demonstrating M1's active role in generating learned movements and internal learned activity independent of movement.