Investigating insight in mice through behaviour and neural connectivity analysis

Abstract

Insight is a rapid change in the brain that leads to a sudden solution, and is critical for creativity and innovation. Several brain regions, such as the prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex and hippocampus, are involved in insight. However, the exact mechanisms underlying insight remain unclear. We aim to investigate if insight occurs during an auditory two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) task, in which mice are required to respond differently to two tones, and thus determine if this task is suitable for studying insight. We also aim to design neuronal tracers to identify changes in neuronal connections accompanying insight. We optimised the 2AFC task and used learning curves to investigate if insight learning has taken place, and modelled the behaviour of the mice. Learning in the 2AFC task appeared to be gradual instead of sudden. Further modification of the task could verify if other factors are masking insight learning, or if insight is truly not occurring. In addition, we proposed several methods using modified self-inactivating rabies virus (SiR) to probe changes in neuronal connections accompanying insight. In the future, modified SiR can be produced using these designs and combined with a learning task involving insight to track underlying changes in neuronal connections.