Distinct neocortical and entorhinal networks for time, space, and reward

Abstract

Variables relevant to behavior and cognition are often synthesized via computations that combine external cues and internal states. Especially salient and ubiquitous among these variables are time, space, and reward, but how they are represented throughout the neocortex and the entorhinal cortex is not well understood. Here, we utilized a behavioral task in virtual reality that includes timing, navigation, and reward components. Using a multifocus microscope that permits simultaneous mesoscopic Ca2+ imaging of neocortex and entorhinal cortex, we uncover dedicated and distinct subnetworks for interval timing, spatial navigation, and reward. Interestingly, the timing subnetwork demonstrated more prominent signaling in expert mice and features a strong contribution from barrel cortex that is not explained by ongoing whisking, pointing towards a role for this cortex in interval timing. Our results provide previously unknown details about the brainwide networks related to time, space, and reward and will allow for future interrogation of their interactions and computations.