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Motor Control of Distinct Layer 6 Corticothalamic Feedback Circuits.

Luis E Martinetti1, Dawn M Autio2, Shane R Crandall1,2

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Layer 6 corticothalamic (L6 CT) neurons in the somatosensory cortex are modulated by motor cortex signals. Distinct L6 CT subcircuits with unique thalamic connections show selective responses, impacting sensory processing during active movements.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Sensory Processing
  • Cortical Circuits

Background:

  • Layer 6 corticothalamic (L6 CT) neurons provide feedback to the thalamus, influencing sensory input.
  • The functional role and control mechanisms of this feedback, especially concerning distinct CT neuron populations, remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how the vibrissal primary motor cortex (vM1) influences different L6 CT neuron subcircuits in the vibrissal primary somatosensory cortex (vS1).
  • To determine if vM1 control is specific to CT neurons with distinct intrathalamic projections.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro electrophysiology
  • Optogenetics
  • Retrograde labeling in mice (either sex)
  • Analysis of vM1 inputs on vS1 L6 CT neurons

Main Results:

  • vM1 inputs selectively target L6 CT neurons based on their thalamic projections.
  • Dual VPm/POm-projecting CT neurons in lower L6a showed stronger responses to vM1 input than VPm-only projecting neurons in upper L6a.
  • Differences in intrinsic membrane properties and synaptic mechanisms underlie the selective responsiveness.

Conclusions:

  • vS1 contains at least two distinct L6 CT subcircuits defined by thalamic connectivity, intrinsic physiology, and vM1 functional connectivity.
  • These findings offer insights into how specific CT subcircuits may modulate tactile sensory signals in the thalamus during active whisking.