Dendritic Architecture Enables de Novo Computation of Salient Motion in the Superior Colliculus

Abstract

Dendritic architecture plays a crucial role in shaping how neurons extract behaviorally relevant information from sensory inputs. Wide-field neurons in the superior colliculus integrate visual information from the retina to encode cues critical for visually guided orienting behaviors. However, the principles governing how these neurons filter their inputs to generate appropriate responses remain unclear. Using viral tracing, two-photon calcium imaging, and computational modeling, we show that wide-field neurons receive functionally diverse inputs from twelve retinal ganglion cell types, forming a layered, type-specific organization along their dendrites. This structured arrangement allows wide-field neurons to multiplex salient motion cues, selectively amplifying movement and suppressing static features. Computational models reveal that the spatial organization of dendrites and inputs enables the selective extraction of behaviorally relevant stimuli, including de novo computations. Our findings underscore the critical role of dendritic architecture in shaping sensory processing and neural circuit function.