Scanned optogenetic control of mammalian somatosensory input to map input-specific behavioral outputs

Somatosensory stimuli guide and shape behavior, from immediate protective reflexes to longer-term learning higher-order processes related pain touch. However, somatosensory inputs are challenging control in awake mammals due the diversity nature of contact stimuli. Application cutaneous is currently limited relatively imprecise methods as well subjective behavioral measures. The strategy we present here overcomes these difficulties, achieving ‘remote touch’ with spatiotemporally precise dynamic optogenetic stimulation by projecting light a small defined area skin. We mapped responses freely behaving mice specific nociceptor low-threshold mechanoreceptor inputs. In nociceptors, sparse recruitment single-action potentials shapes rapid pain-related behaviors, including coordinated head orientation body repositioning that depend on initial pose. contrast, activation mechanoreceptors elicited slow-onset behaviors more subtle whole-body behaviors. can be used define repertoires, examine timing reflexes, dissect sensory, motor, cognitive, motivational guiding behavior.