A Corticotectal Pathway Regulates Vibrissal Somatosensory-Mediated Predatory Hunting Learning

Although predatory behaviors are evolutionarily conserved, they can be enhanced through experience-dependent plasticity. While vibrissal somatosensation is recognized as a key mediator of hunting behavior, the mechanism underlying vibrissal somatosensory-mediated predatory hunting learning remains not yet well understood. In this study, we report that vibrissal tactile input plays an essential role in hunting learning. Activation of the vGlut1⁺ S1BF-SC pathway is sufficient to evoke predatory hunting, while its inactivation abolished practice-induced behavioral improvements. SC-projecting vGlut1⁺ S1BF neurons exhibited robust responses to whisker mechanosensory stimulation. Furthermore, hunting training selectively enhanced α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptormediated excitatory transmission in the vGlut1⁺ S1BF-SC pathway. Together, these data reveal the corticotectal neural circuit from the primary somatosensory cortex to superior colliculus that was specifically engaged in vibrissal somatosensory-mediated hunting learning by strengthening synaptic connections.