Modular striatal dynamics and reciprocal inhibition orchestrate skilled action sequencing

Bakhurin, K. I.; Lu, B.; Zheng, H.; Park, J.; Yin, H.

doi:10.1101/2025.06.27.662029

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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.06.27.662029

Modular striatal dynamics and reciprocal inhibition orchestrate skilled action sequencing

Bakhurin, K. I.·Lu, B.·Zheng, H.·Park, J.·Yin, H.

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Abstract

The basal ganglia, particularly the striatum, are critical for orchestrating skilled behavioral sequences, yet the precise mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. Using high-resolution kinematic tracking and neural recordings in mice performing a water-reaching task, we found spatially distributed modules of striatal projection neurons whose activity corresponded to the generation of each element in the sequence--aiming, reaching, and drinking. They are activated sequentially and exhibit reciprocal inhibition, ensuring a strict serial order. Optogenetic activation of the direct pathway of the orofacial module promoted licking while suppressing reaching. Reaching could in turn suppress stimulation-evoked licking, revealing bidirectional inhibitory interactions. Our findings demonstrate that the striatums modular organization, coupled with lateral inhibition, sculpts the temporal progression of actions, providing a mechanistic framework for understanding how the basal ganglia coordinate complex behaviors.

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Bakhurin, K. I., Lu, B., Zheng, H., Park, J., Yin, H.. 2025-06-28. Modular striatal dynamics and reciprocal inhibition orchestrate skilled action sequencing. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.06.27.662029

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