Scientists Identify Ancient Brainstem Neurons Critical for Attention
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have discovered a network of inhibitory neurons in the brainstem that regulates selective spatial attention, a process essential for focusing on relevant information while filtering distractions. The findings, published in *Nature Communications*, suggest these neurons, present across vertebrates, could inform treatments for attention disorders like ADHD and autism, according to senior author Shreesh Mysore, a neuroscientist at the university.
How the Study Worked
The team tested mice in an attention task where they had to focus on visual cues while ignoring distractions. When researchers temporarily silenced the brainstem neurons, the mice became hyper-distractible, failing to prioritize important information. “The only thing impaired was their ability to compare competing signals and focus on the most relevant one,” Mysore said. The experiments ruled out vision or movement issues, confirming the neurons’ role in attentional selection.
Evolutionary Roots of Attention
The study challenges the long-held belief that the prefrontal cortex alone governs attention. Lead author Ninad Kothari noted that animals like birds and fish, which lack a highly developed prefrontal cortex, still exhibit focused attention. “This ancient brainstem region likely solves the problem of attention across species,” Kothari explained. The neurons’ presence in vertebrates, including humans, suggests a shared evolutionary mechanism.
Implications for ADHD and Autism
The research highlights potential targets for treating attention-related disorders. “When these neurons are silenced, animals struggle to ignore distractions—mirroring symptoms of ADHD,” Mysore said. Future studies will investigate whether these neurons function differently in humans with ADHD or autism, which could lead to more precise therapies.
What’s Next for Research?
The team plans to explore how these neurons influence attention across species and their role in human cognitive processes. “All evidence suggests these neurons exist in humans, but their exact function remains unclear,” Mysore said. Understanding their activity could advance treatments for conditions where attentional control is impaired.
Why This Matters
This discovery shifts the focus from the prefrontal cortex to an ancient brain region, offering new insights into how attention evolved. For patients with ADHD or autism, the findings could pave the way for therapies targeting these neurons, improving quality of life. As Mysore noted, “This is a critical step toward understanding and addressing attention disorders.”
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