Shamash, P; Olesen, SF; Iordanidou, P; Campagner, D; Nabhojit, B; Branco, T; (2021) Mice learn multi-step routes by memorizing subgoal locations. Nature Neuroscience , 24 (9) pp. 1270-1279. 10.1038/s41593-021-00884-8.

Preview	Text (Article) Branco_Shamash_ms.pdf - Accepted Version Download (3MB) | Preview
Preview	Text (Figures) ExtendedDataFigures.pdf - Accepted Version Download (4MB) | Preview

Abstract

The behavioral strategies that mammals use to learn multi-step routes are unknown. In this study, we investigated how mice navigate to shelter in response to threats when the direct path is blocked. Initially, they fled toward the shelter and negotiated obstacles using sensory cues. Within 20 min, they spontaneously adopted a subgoal strategy, initiating escapes by running directly to the obstacle’s edge. Mice continued to escape in this manner even after the obstacle had been removed, indicating use of spatial memory. However, standard models of spatial learning—habitual movement repetition and internal map building—did not explain how subgoal memories formed. Instead, mice used a hybrid approach: memorizing salient locations encountered during spontaneous ‘practice runs’ to the shelter. This strategy was also used during a geometrically identical food-seeking task. These results suggest that subgoal memorization is a fundamental strategy by which rodents learn efficient multi-step routes in new environments.

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as CSVXMLJSON

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as XMLCSVJSON

Archive Staff Only

View Item