Brain-wide neural activity underlying memory-guided movement.

Behavior relies on activity in structured neural circuits that are distributed across the brain, but most experiments probe neurons in a single area at a time. Using multiple Neuropixels probes, we recorded from multi-regional loops connected to the anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM), a circuit node mediating memory-guided directional licking. Neurons encoding sensory stimuli, choices, and actions were distributed across the brain. However, choice coding was concentrated in the ALM and subcortical areas receiving input from the ALM in an ALM-dependent manner. Diverse orofacial movements were encoded in the hindbrain; midbrain; and, to a lesser extent, forebrain. Choice signals were first detected in the ALM and the midbrain, followed by the thalamus and other brain areas. At movement initiation, choice-selective activity collapsed across the brain, followed by new activity patterns driving specific actions. Our experiments provide the foundation for neural circuit models of decision-making and movement initiation. [Display omitted] • Anatomy-guided activity recordings in multi-regional neural circuits during behavior • Movement encoding is strongest in the medulla, followed by the midbrain and cortex • Choice coding arises in a specific multi-regional circuit distributed across the brain • Coding of choice and action exhibit strong correlations across brain areas A sparse neural network, distributed across major brain compartments, produces tightly orchestrated activity patterns underlying decision-making and movement initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]