Elucidation of whole-brain network in operant training using functional connectivity and immediate gene expression

Motivation: It is unclear how and what cellular-level changes cause changes in the whole-brain network in operant training. Goal(s): To investigate the functional network changes and underlying cellular processes involved in operant learning. Approach: We utilized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) and whole-brain immunohistochemical analysis of early growth response 1 (EGR1) in mice during the early and late stages of training. Results: Increased functional connectivity and EGR1 regional correlations were observed between the limbic and thalamus or auditory cortex early, and between motor and somatosensory cortex and striatum in the late stage. Impact: Our study is an initial effort to create a new experimental approach that combines rsfMRI and immunohistochemistry to connect large-scale and small-scale mechanisms of learning.