Attractor-like spatial representations in the Subicular Complex network

Distinct computations are performed at multiple brain regions during encoding of the spatial environments. Neural representations in the hippocampal, entorhinal and head direction (HD) networks during spatial navigation have been clearly documented, while the representational properties of the Subicular Complex (SC) network is rather unexplored, even though it has extensive anatomical connections with various brain regions involved in spatial information processing. Here, we report a global cue controlled highly coherent representation of the cue-conflict environment in the SC network, along with strong coupling between HD cells and Spatial cells. We propose that the attractor dynamics in the SC network might play a critical role in orientation of the spatial representations, thus providing a "reference map" of the environment for further processing at other networks.