Defined Cell Types in Superior Colliculus Make Distinct Contributions to Prey Capture Behavior in the Mouse.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Visual processing
• Behavioral neuroscience

Background:

• The superior colliculus (SC) is crucial for visual processing and orienting behaviors.
• Specific neural circuits within the superficial SC (sSC) driving appetitive stimulus approach remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify distinct cell types in the sSC responsible for mediating prey capture and approach behavior in mice.
• To elucidate the roles of wide-field (WF) and narrow-field (NF) vertical neurons in visuomotor control.

Main Methods:

• Utilized chemogenetics to inactivate specific neuron types (WF, NF, and parvalbumin-expressing (PV) neurons) in mice.
• Observed and analyzed the effects of inactivation on prey capture and approach behaviors.
• Investigated the visual coding and projection targets of WF and NF cells.

Main Results:

• WF neuron inactivation impaired rapid prey detection and distant approach initiation.
• NF neuron inactivation hindered accurate pursuit orienting and approach continuity.
• Parvalbumin-expressing (PV) neurons were not essential for prey capture, contrasting with their known role in fear responses.
• WF and NF cell visual coding and targets aligned with their distinct roles in prey detection and pursuit.

Conclusions:

• Specific vertical neuron subtypes in the sSC have distinct roles in mediating different stages of prey capture and approach.
• Links neural circuit connectivity and function to stimulus detection and orienting behaviors.
• Provides insights into the visuomotor and attentional mechanisms governed by the superior colliculus.