# Neural Networks of the Mouse Superior Colliculus > **NIH NIH F31** · UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · 2020 · $45,520 ## Abstract PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The midbrain superior colliculus (SC) receives extensive projections from sensory, motor and higher- association cortex, and projects downstream to brainstem motor nuclei. These cortico-tecto-brainstem projections are essential for attention-related motor eye movements. Despite this essential functional role and implications in attention-related disorders, little is known about the organization of cortico-tectal projections or their cell-type specific brainstem outputs. Neuroinformatics tools provide a computational capacity to analyze large-scale connectivity data in a reliable and feasible way to reveal novel connectivity organization networks. Previous studies reveal that cortical subnetworks topologically project to the striatum as functional domains. This suggests that cortico-tectal projections may also be organized into functional domains, and then descend to control downstream motor networks. Though classic tracers provide a wealth of input/output information of the SC, they cannot reveal synaptic specific connections. To reveal these connections and characterize their morphological properties, recently developed state-of-the-art rabies virus tracing methods and cutting-edge microscopy imaging provide new tools to elucidate specific pathways. The goal of this study is to construct a comprehensive wiring diagram of cortico-tecto-brainstem circuits that will be presented as an online resource to the scientific community. Specific Aim 1 will assemble a comprehensive connectivity projection map from the neocortex to the superior colliculus using classic anterograde/retrograde tracing techniques with neuroinformatics tools as part of the Mouse Connectome Project (www.MouseConnectome.org). This data will set an essential structural foundation to facilitate the study of specific attention-related circuits by revealing the organization of distinct functional subnetworks. Specific Aim 2 will define retrosplenial cortex (RSP) and anterior cingulate area (ACA) projections to distinct SC cell-types based on their anatomical locations, projection targets and neuronal morphologies. To define these cell types, this aim will use a monosynaptic rabies viral tracing method to map the synaptic connectivity between cortico-tectal inputs and brainstem- projecting SC neurons. The additional use of Lightsheet microscopy, SWITCH and 3D-reconstruction techniques utilized in pursuit of these aims render this project an ideal training venue. These studies will provide a more comprehensive foundation of cortical network organization within the SC that can also serve as a cross-species reference. Under the guidance of Dr. Hongwei Dong and colleagues in the Mouse Connectome Project, I will learn to perform high-quality histology, imaging and connectivity data analysis of SC neural networks. The mentorship and technical expertise I will acquire under this training grant will contribute greatly to my overall goal of becoming an independent neuro... ## Key facts - **NIH application ID:** 9988413 - **Project number:** 5F31EY029569-03 - **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA - **Principal Investigator:** Nora Lissett Benavidez - **Activity code:** F31 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.) - **Funding institute:** NIH - **Fiscal year:** 2020 - **Award amount:** $45,520 - **Award type:** 5 - **Project period:** 2018-09-01 → 2021-08-31 ## Primary source NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9988413 ## Citation > US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9988413, Neural Networks of the Mouse Superior Colliculus (5F31EY029569-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-27 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9988413. Licensed CC0. --- *[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*