Visual responses in the dorsolateral frontal cortex of marmoset monkeys

The marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) has gained attention in neurophysiology research as a new primate model for visual processing and behavior. In particular, marmosets have a lissencephalic cortex, making multielectrode, optogenetic, and calcium-imaging techniques more accessible than other primate models. However, the degree of homology of brain circuits for visual behavior with those identified in macaques and humans is still being ascertained. For example, whereas the location of the frontal eye fields (FEF) within the dorsolateral frontal cortex has been proposed, it remains unclear whether neurons in the corresponding areas show visual responses-an important characteristic of FEF neurons in other species. Here, we provide the first description of receptive field properties and neural response latencies in the marmoset dorsolateral frontal cortex, based on recordings using Utah arrays in anesthetized animals. We find brisk visual responses in specific regions of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, particularly in areas 8aV, 8C, and 6DR. As in macaque FEF, the receptive fields were typically large (10 degrees-30 degrees in diameter) and the median responses latency was brisk (60 ms). These results constrain the possible interpretations about the location of the marmoset FEF and suggest that the marmoset model's significant advantages for the use of physiological techniques may be leveraged in the study of visuomotor cognition. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Behavior and cognition in humans and other primates rely on networks of brain areas guided by the frontal cortex. The marmoset offers exciting new opportunities to study links between brain physiology and behavior, but the functions of frontal cortex areas are still being identified in this species. Here, we provide the first evidence of visual receptive fields in the marmoset dorsolateral frontal cortex, an important step toward future studies of visual cognitive behavior.

Automated summary

The marmoset monkey is emerging as a new primate model for neurophysiology research, with advantages in accessing various physiological techniques due to its lissencephalic cortex. Research on the visual behavior circuitry in marmosets is ongoing, with evidence of brisk visual responses in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. This suggests that the marmoset model may provide valuable insights into the study of visuomotor cognition.