Modality-independent representations of object shape in macaque inferotemporal cortex

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Project Summary Accurate shape perception is crucial to identifying and manipulating objects in our environment. Among our senses, vision and touch are unique in that they both convey geometric shape. Although haptic and visual sensory inputs are initially processed along distinct sensory pathways, we experience an object’s shape as a unified, modality-independent percept. How the brain generates modality-independent representations of shape remains unknown. Human fMRI studies have identified the lateral occipital complex (LOC) as a key area for visuo-haptic integration, yet the low spatial resolution of fMRI has failed to reveal the neural code used for representing object shape. To address this knowledge gap, I propose to study the representations of haptic and visual shapes in macaque inferotemporal cortex (IT), the homologue of human LOC. Specifically, I will test the hypothesis that macaque IT creates modality-independent representations of haptic and visual shapes. To this end, I will record the simultaneous activity of multiple neurons in IT while macaques are exposed to objects presented as visual images or as 3D-printed haptic objects. First, I will identify if and how IT neurons represent haptic shapes. Second, I will explore the neural basis of visuo-haptic shape representations in IT. By elucidating the neural mechanisms by which IT generates modality-independent shape representations, this research will shed light on how the brain is able to recognize shapes across sensory modalities. Furthermore, the findings of this project will support the development of next-generation neuroprosthetic implants that can leverage both haptic and visual sensory input.