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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
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In Vivo Visualization of Spontaneous Activity in Neonatal Mouse Sensory Cortex at a Single-Neuron Resolution
Published on: November 21, 2023
Integrated input-output connectomics at single-neuron resolution reveals parallel projection streams in the mouse
Hengzheng Wei1, Yiyao Li1, Tianyu Zhao1
1Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology & K. K. Leung Brain Research Centre, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, China.
Neurochemistry International
|July 16, 2026
Summary
The ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL) integrates non-sensory inputs, challenging its role as a simple sensory relay. VPL neurons project to motor and association areas, suggesting a role in sensorimotor integration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- The ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL) is traditionally viewed as a linear somatosensory relay to the primary somatosensory cortex.
- The integration of non-sensory information (motor commands, affective states) within the VPL and the role of its excitatory neurons (VGluT2) are poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the circuit architecture and connectivity of VPL excitatory neurons (VGluT2).
- To challenge the classical view of the VPL as a unimodal sensory relay by investigating its non-sensory inputs and outputs.
Main Methods:
- Monosynaptic rabies tracing combined with fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (fMOST) in mice.
- Quantitative, single-cell resolution connectome reconstruction of VPL VGluT2 neurons.
Main Results:
- VPL VGluT2 neurons receive convergent inputs from motor, limbic, and basal ganglia circuits.
- Single-neuron reconstructions revealed four distinct projection subtypes targeting the primary somatosensory cortex (SSp), primary motor cortex (MOp), and association areas.
- Projections to the MOp preferentially target layer 5, bypassing canonical sensory pathways.
Conclusions:
- The VPL functions beyond a simple sensory relay, acting as a hub for sensorimotor integration.
- These findings provide a structural foundation for understanding the interplay between somatosensation, action, and cognition.
