Dynamic encoding of perceptual features in primary somatosensory cortex upon reversal learning

Neurons in primary sensory cortex encode a variety of stimulus features upon perceptual learning. However, it is unclear whether the acquired stimulus selectivity remains stable when the same input is perceived in a different context. Here, we monitored the activity of individual neurons in the mouse primary somatosensory cortex in a reward-based texture discrimination task. We tracked their stimulus selectivity before and after changing reward contingencies and found that many neurons are dynamically selective. A subpopulation of neurons regains selectivity contingent on stimulus-value. These value-sensitive neurons forecast the onset of learning by displaying a distinct and transient increase in activity, depending on past behavioral experience. Thus, stimulus encoding during perceptual learning is dynamic and largely relies on behavioral contingencies, even in primary sensory cortex.