Spatial navigation signals in rodent visual cortex

During navigation, animals integrate sensory information with body movements to guide actions. The impact of both navigational and movement-related signals on cortical visual information processing remains largely unknown. We review recent studies in awake rodents that have revealed navigation related signals in the primary visual cortex (V1), including speed, distance travelled and head-orienting movements. Both cortical and subcortical inputs convey self-motion related information to V1 neurons: for example, top-down inputs from secondary motor and retrosplenial cortices convey information about head movements and spatial expectations. Within V1, subtypes of inhibitory neurons are critical for the integration of navigation-related and visual signals. We conclude with potential functional roles of navigation-related signals in V1 including gain control, motor error signals and predictive coding.

Automated summary

Recent studies in awake rodents have discovered navigation-related signals in the primary visual cortex (V1), including speed, distance traveled, and head-orienting movements. Both cortical and subcortical inputs convey self-motion related information to V1 neurons, with different subtypes of inhibitory neurons within V1 critical for integrating navigation-related and visual signals. These findings suggest potential functional roles of navigation-related signals in V1, such as gain control, motor error signals, and predictive coding.