Astroglial Networks Control Visual Responses of Superior Collicular Neurons and Sensory-motor Behavior

Overview

Journal Cell Rep

Publisher Cell Press

Specialties Biology
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology

Date 2024 Jul 12

PMID 38996064

Authors

Josien Visser

Giampaolo Milior

Rachel Breton

Julien Moulard

Maina Garnero

Pascal Ezan

Jerome Ribot

Nathalie Rouach

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Astroglial networks closely interact with neuronal populations, but their functional contribution to neuronal representation of sensory information remains unexplored. The superior colliculus (SC) integrates multi-sensory information by generating distinct spatial patterns of neuronal functional responses to specific sensory stimulation. Here, we report that astrocytes from the mouse SC form extensive networks in the retinorecipient layer compared to visual cortex. This strong astroglial connectivity relies on high expression of gap-junction proteins. Genetic disruption of this connectivity functionally impairs SC retinotopic and orientation preference responses. These alterations are region specific, absent in primary visual cortex, and associated at the circuit level with a specific impairment of collicular neurons synaptic transmission. This has implications for SC-related visually induced innate behavior, as disrupting astroglial networks impairs light-evoked temporary arrest. Our results indicate that astroglial networks shape synaptic circuit activity underlying SC functional visual responses and play a crucial role in integrating visual cues to drive sensory-motor behavior.

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