A cortical output channel for perceptual categorization.

Authors

Nathan A Schneider, Michael I Malina, Ross S Williamson

Published in

Science advances. Volume 12. Issue 35. Pages eaef3715. Aug 28, 2026. Epub Aug 26, 2026.

Abstract

Perceptual categorization transforms graded sensory inputs into discrete representations that support decision-making. While the auditory cortex is causally important for this process, a specific circuit location where continuous physical inputs are transformed into discrete decision variables remains unknown. Here, we address this by performing longitudinal two-photon imaging of layer 5 (L5) extratelencephalic (ET) neurons alongside L2/3 and L5 intratelencephalic (IT) populations in mice learning a categorization task. With learning, L5 ET neurons underwent pronounced tuning shifts and developed robust categorical responses, whereas L2/3 and L5 IT neurons did not. This transformation is not merely an intrinsic feature of the cell type but is dynamically controlled by task engagement, emerging only during active decision-making. Using a generalized linear model, we confirmed that categorical selectivity in L5 ET neurons reflects genuine sensory encoding rather than being a by-product of choice-driven activity. These findings identify L5 ET neurons as a cortical output channel to categorize stimuli into a decision variable to guide actions.

PMID:
42647651
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 27 Aug 2026.

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