The cerebellum controls sensory-induced coherence between sensory and motor cortices

What is it about?

Coordinated activity of sensory and motor cortices is essential for adjusting movements based on sensory feedback. Sensory and motor cortices communicate directly as well as via the thalamus and also receive indirect input from the cerebellum. We show here that cerebellar activity can affect the amplitude and coherence of fast sensorimotor responses in the primary somatosensory and motor cortices upon whisker stimulation. The cerebellum can differentially alter sensory-induced theta- and gamma-band cortical coherences via a fast ascending pathway. In line with the functional heterogeneity of its modular organization, cerebellar impact is region-specific and tuned to ongoing motor responses. Our data highlight site-specific and context-dependent cerebello-cerebral interactions that can come into play during a plethora of sensorimotor functions.

Featured Image