We study the organization and function of neural circuits controlling movement in mice. Our aim is to define the neural circuits responsible for generating automatic and goal-oriented movements and delineate the underlying sensory-motor integration processes that link perception to action. We investigate four key aspects of the motor control problem:

 

• How, during development, are neuronal populations assembled into functional networks with the degree of specificity needed to coordinate movements?

• How do animals produce an accurate map of the surrounding world that can be used to direct movements?

• Which neuronal populations are involved in directing movements towards salient positions on this map?

• Which neuronal elements integrate incoming sensory inputs into the ongoing motor routine?