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Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unveiling Neural Coding and Mechanisms of Visual Processing in the Superior Colliculus
Published on: April 21, 2023
Prefrontal Corticotectal Neurons Enhance Visual Processing through the Superior Colliculus and Pulvinar Thalamus
Fei Hu1, Tsukasa Kamigaki1, Zhe Zhang1
1Division of Neurobiology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
The mouse cingulate cortex (Cg) influences visual processing via two subcortical pathways. These pathways, involving the superior colliculus (SC) and lateral posterior nucleus (LP), significantly enhance visual behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Visual processing
- Prefrontal cortex function
Background:
- Top-down modulation of visual processing involves prefrontal cortex projections.
- The cingulate cortex (Cg) is a key prefrontal region involved in cognitive functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of cingulate cortex (Cg) corticotectal neurons in visual processing.
- To delineate the subcortical pathways through which the Cg influences visual behavior.
Main Methods:
- Bidirectional optogenetic manipulation in mice.
- Tracing neural projections from the Cg to the superior colliculus (SC) and lateral posterior nucleus (LP).
Main Results:
- Cingulate cortex (Cg) corticotectal neurons significantly contribute to visually guided behavior.
- Cg projections collateralize to both the superior colliculus (SC) and lateral posterior nucleus (LP).
- Activation of Cg→SC→LPp or Cg→LPa pathways enhanced visual performance and neural responses.
Conclusions:
- Two distinct subcortical pathways (Cg→SC→LPp and Cg→LPa) mediate top-down visual modulation.
- Prefrontal pyramidal neurons exert powerful top-down influence on visual processing through these pathways.
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