Astroglial networks control visual responses of superior collicular neurons and sensory-motor behavior.
Cell Rep
; 43(7): 114504, 2024 Jul 23.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38996064
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.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Superior Colliculi
/
Astrocytes
/
Neurons
Limits:
Animals
Language:
En
Journal:
Cell Rep
Year:
2024
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
France