Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2020.06.05.136531v1?rss=1 Authors: Gann, M. A., King, B. R., Dolfen, N., Veldman, M. P., Chan, K. L., Puts, N. A. J., Edden, R. A. E., Davare, M., Swinnen, S. P., Mantini, D., Robertson, E. M., Albouy, G. Abstract: While it is widely accepted that motor sequence learning (MSL) is supported by a prefrontal-mediated interaction between hippocampal and striatal networks, it remains unknown whether the functional responses of these networks can be modulated in humans with targeted experimental interventions. The present proof-of-concept study employed a comprehensive multimodal neuroimaging approach, including functional magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR spectroscopy, to investigate whether individually-tailored theta-burst stimulation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can modulate responses in the hippocampus and striatum during motor learning. Our results indicate that stimulation influenced task-related connectivity patterns within hippocampo-frontal and striatal networks. Stimulation also altered the relationship between the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the stimulated prefrontal cortex and learning-related changes in both activity and connectivity in fronto-striato-hippocampal networks. This study provides the first experimental evidence that brain stimulation can alter motor learning-related functional responses in the striatum and hippocampus. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info