Molecular taxonomy and spatial organization define neuronal subtypes in the mouse inferior colliculus

The inferior colliculus (IC) is a critical auditory midbrain hub that processes sound localization and multisensory behaviors. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we identify 14 transcriptionally distinct neuronal subtypes in the adult mouse IC. In situ sequencing and spatial mapping confirm these organizational patterns. Excitatory subtypes show region-specific spatial enrichment across the central, dorsal, and external cortices, whereas inhibitory subtypes are more diffusely distributed. A somatostatin-expressing (Sst ⁺ ) neuronal population is predominantly excitatory but exhibits regional heterogeneity, with a subset co-expressing Gad2. Sub-clustering resolves Sst ⁺ neurons into five molecularly distinct subtypes. Complementary to the Allen Brain Cell Atlas, this work provides an IC-focused molecular and spatial resource for studying neuronal diversity and cell-type-specific circuit organization in the auditory midbrain.