The role of cerebellar circuitry in movement control and real-time motor learning (360G-Wellcome-209453_Z_17_Z)

The cerebellum is known to play a critical role in ongoing sensorimotor behaviour and learning of novel associations, but these processes remain poorly understood. The aim of this proposal is therefore to provide an extensive characterisation of the cellular and circuit mechanisms involved in motor control and learning in the cerebellum. We will probe cerebellar processing in head-fixed behaving animals using whisker movement as a model sensorimotor behaviour. We will measure neuronal activity using a variety of functional imaging and electrophysiological methods, combined where appropriate with opto- and pharmaco-genetic perturbation of specific circuit elements. Throughout the data-gathering process, we will work with theoreticians to generate a comprehensive network model of whisker representation in the cerebellum. Three discrete but interconnected aims will be addressed: 1) What are the organisational principles governing control of whisker movement within the cerebellar cortex? 2) What are the functional characteristics of inputs and outputs to cerebellar cortex during active whisking? 3) What are the mechanisms of real-time motor learning in the cerebellum? Together, we will provide unique quantitative information about the function of cerebellum in voluntary movement, and reveal how learning-related changes influence the neural representation of a well-controlled motor behaviour.