VBFF Neural Circuits and Computations in the Octopus Visual System
Abstract
Our understanding of the neural basis of visual function is largely based on studies in vertebrates,motivated by their similarity to the human brain. Cephalopods, including octopuses, represent acompletely independent evolution of intelligent behavior and a highly capable visual system, butwith a fundamentally different brain organization and neural circuitry. Additionally, cephalopodspossessunique visual capacities not present in vertebrates, such as the ability to match skincamouflage to the visual scene, and to detectobjects based on the polarization of light.Remarkably, their brains continue to grow throughout their lifetime, incorporating new neuronsinto the neural circuitry. Understanding cephalopod vision would dramatically expand ourknowledge of sensory processing and cognition and could lead to transformative solutions inbio-inspired computing, enhanced sensing, and treatment of brain injury. However, the neuralbasis of vision in cephalopods is largely unknown.In recent work, we performed the first recording of visual responses in the octopus brain, usingin vivo imaging of neural activity. We also determined the #parts list# of the octopus visualsystem, by applying single-cell transcriptomics to identify cell types. In this project we proposeto synthesize these previous advances into a fundamentally new approach to reverse engineer theoctopus brain, by linking visual processing, cell types, and circuit connectivity, with our findingsimplemented in computational neural network models. This approach will allow us to explore#blue sky# research in directions that were simply not possible until now.We will first determine how specific cell types and their connections implement theuniquevisual capabilities of octopuses, including the ability to camouflage based on their surroundings,and to target underwater prey. We will then extend these approaches to investigate a sensorycapability that humans lack, polarization vision, which can be a powerful modality rolein theunderwater environment. Finally, we will examine the biological basis and computationalimplications of thecontinued neural expansion of the octopus brain over its lifetime. Much asstudies in the vertebrate visual system inspired current approaches in machine vision andtranslational neuroscience, we expect that these findings will contribute to novel and unexpectedapproaches based on the unique neural architecture of the octopus brain.This project builds on the extensive experience of PI Niell in developing new approaches forstudying visual processing in two different vertebrate species, zebrafish and mice. This previouswork has led to new discoveries such as the rules governing how neurons wire up duringdevelopment, the role of active exploration in vision, and the basis of network reorganizationwith learning and plasticity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 13, 2025
- Source ID
- N000142512054
Entities
People
- Cristopher M Niell
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Oregon