Understanding how organisms integrate multiple sensory cues is central to explaining adaptive behavior. Multisensory integration underlies critical processes such as spatial orientation, attention, learning, and decision-making. It is, therefore, not surprising that organisms with multiple sensory systems often demonstrate some form of multisensory processing.

Research determining the synaptic rules and basic circuitry of multisensory integration has an extensive background, particularly in areas that are involved in localizing objects to determine saliency, such as the optic tectum and its mammalian counterpart, the superior colliculus. Recent advances in circuit tracing, neuroimaging, and computational modeling now enable deeper insights into how sensory information is dynamically integrated and routed. However, much remains to be clarified about how these processes differ across brain regions and species.

This Research Topic seeks to foster a cross-species, cross-methodological dialogue that advances our understanding of the cellular and circuit principles of multisensory integration, as well as its behavioral and ecological consequences. We particularly welcome contributions that explore the following:

• Mechanisms of sensory convergence and interaction at neuronal, synaptic, and circuit levels
• Comparative analyses of multisensory processing strategies across species and brain regions
• Developmental and evolutionary factors shaping multisensory integration
• Ecological and behavioral consequences of multisensory computations in naturalistic settings

To address these questions, we encourage studies that employ a diverse range of methodologies, including in vivo circuit tracing, electrophysiology, imaging, optogenetics, genomics, behavioral assays, and computational modeling. While the focus is on non-human animal research, the goal is to uncover fundamental principles of multisensory integration that are broadly applicable across species, including humans.
We welcome diverse submissions that contribute to advancing the field and promoting integrative perspectives across systems and species.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Multisensory integration across circuits and species: From neuronal mechanisms to adaptive behavior