Neural circuits and computations of flexible navigation

Identifying and navigating to spatial locations important for survival, such as food sources, is crucial for animals. Previous work has described in detail how the mammalian brain represents our surroundings as a spatial map. Yet, we do not know how such information is used to selectively guide the animal to a specific location out of several options. This project aims to determine the neural mechanisms underlying the selection of spatial goals during navigation in mice, focusing on the connection between two structures conserved across vertebrates and key for movement control, the basal ganglia and the superior colliculus. I propose that beyond its role in motor control, the basal ganglia is the key "decision-maker" that selects spatial goals, and relays this guidance to downstream structures, such as the superior colliculus, that drive the animal to its destination. The proposed research program will test this hypothesis using a novel behavioral task that clearly separates goal choice, action selection, and action execution. Using state-of-the-art techniques to record and manipulate neural activity in the basal ganglia and connected areas, this research will determine the general principles and specific neural mechanisms that the mammalian brain uses to make and execute spatial decisions.