A genetically defined midbrain-pontine circuit gates vocal communication

Vocal communication is selectively expressed in social and emotional contexts (1-3), suggesting the presence of neural substrates that gate the conversion of internal states into vocal motor output. Although the periaqueductal gray (PAG) is known to be essential for vocalization (4-6), the genetic identity and circuit logic of the neurons that initiate and shape vocal signals remain unclear. Here, we identify a genetically defined population of somatostatin-expressing neurons in the lateral and ventrolateral PAG (l/vlPAG-SST) that functions as a premotor gate for ultrasonic vocalizations in mice. In vivo calcium imaging shows that l/vlPAG-SST neurons are selectively recruited around vocal onset. Manipulating l/vlPAG-SST neuron activity bidirectionally regulates vocal output: activation prolongs call duration by coordinating respiratory, laryngeal, and orofacial motor programs, whereas silencing suppresses courtship vocalizations. Projection-specific manipulations further demonstrate that descending glutamatergic, but not neuropeptidergic, output from l/vlPAG-SST neurons to the dorsal pontine tegmentum is sufficient to drive vocal production. Together, these findings define a genetically specified midbrain–pontine circuit that gates vocal communication and provides prospective access for linking internal conditions to vocal expressions.