Cortex-wide characterization of decision-making neural dynamics during spatial navigation

Making decisions while moving through the environment requires extensive interactions among cerebral cortical regions. To assess the spatial and temporal cortical dynamics during freely-moving decision making, we recorded widefield Ca2+ neuronal activity in mice navigating an 8-maze task with two paradigms. The first required an alternating figure-8 pattern to receive a reward. The second involved a rule change that only rewarded left turns. Cortical state analysis identified common global patterns of cortex-wide activity. We show that cortical states are dependent on maze location and represent features of spatial decision making, including outcome (correct or incorrect), choice (left or right turns), and task paradigm (alternating or left-only). Also, sequences of anterior and posterior propagating states occur throughout the maze. Anterior propagation is consistent with transforming sensory information from visual and parietal regions to anterior motor cortices to complete the task. Posterior propagation is consistent with top-down control from the secondary motor cortex for reward processing and internal feedback to guide future behavior. The role of the cerebral cortex in cognitive and behavioral tasks is not fully understood.In this study, widefield imaging in freely moving mice navigating an 8-maze reveals global patterns of cortical activity. These cortical states represent multiple aspects of spatial decision making. Anterior and posterior state propagation is common and occurs throughout the maze, consistent with sensorimotor transformation and top-down control, respectively.