Cortical ensembles in primary visual cortex are groups of neurons whose coordinated activity represents visual stimuli. The functional connectivity of these ensembles generates an internal representation of the surrounding world. In this way, learned behavioral tasks associated with visual stimuli could be based on the recalling of neuronal ensembles from primary visual cortex. However, whether it is possible to manipulate visually guided learned behaviors by the targeted activation of cortical ensembles in primary visual cortex remains unknown. In order to study the modulation of behavioral performance induced by the selective activation of cortical ensembles with single cell resolution we used simultaneous two-photon optogenetics and imaging of neuronal populations in awake head fixed mice performing a go/no-go task. We identified and targeted neurons with pattern completion capability belonging to cortical ensembles in primary visual cortex. The selective photoactivation of neurons belonging to cortical ensembles associated with the go signal positively modulated behavioral performance whereas the photoactivation of randomly selected neurons during the go signal negatively modulated behavioral performance. Our findings demonstrate the possibility to manipulate functional neuronal ensembles with single cell resolution and observe behavioral correlates of cortical microcircuit reconfiguration.
 

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