The long-term goal of the proposed research is to understand the neural mechanisms underlying the control of motor output under normal and pathological conditions. The central hypothesis is that brainstem cholinergic systems contribute to motor preparation in much the same way that they are thought to contribute to sensory attention: by modulating activity in motor structures such that the movements most in line with behavioral goals are more likely to be executed. We examine this hypothesis in a robust anatomical projection of an advantageous animal model system: The cholinergic input from the brainstem pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT) to the intermediate gray layer of the superior colliculus (SC) in the mouse. The project goals will be achieved by recording and manipulating (using pharmacology and optogenetics) neural activity in freely-moving wild-type and transgenic mice performing behavioral tasks that require preparing and generating orienting movements.
Aim 1 will examine how cholinergic input modulates SC activity and SC-dependent behavioral output.
Aim 2 will focus directly on the activity of cholinergic PPT neurons during behavior. If successful, our proposal will elucidate, in a genetically accessible mouse model, key neural substrates underlying motor control. In addition to testing the specific hypotheses proposed here, the model we develop will make possible future research into how other genetically-defined networks of neurons contribute to motor output. Ultimately, understanding normal motor output can contribute to improving therapies for movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease.

Public Health Relevance

This proposal will examine how activity in specific brain regions controls movements. Understanding this activity under normal conditions, and how it is altered under pathological conditions, can contribute to improving treatments for movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01NS079518-01A1
Application #
8455810
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (SPC)
Program Officer
Chen, Daofen
Project Start
2012-09-20
Project End
2017-06-30
Budget Start
2012-09-20
Budget End
2013-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$336,875
Indirect Cost
$118,125
Name
University of Colorado Denver
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
041096314
City
Aurora
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80045
Thompson, John A; Costabile, Jamie D; Felsen, Gidon (2016) Mesencephalic representations of recent experience influence decision making. Elife 5:
Essig, Jaclyn; Felsen, Gidon (2016) Warning! Dopaminergic Modulation of the Superior Colliculus. Trends Neurosci 39:2-4
Lintz, Mario J; Felsen, Gidon (2016) Basal ganglia output reflects internally-specified movements. Elife 5:
Stubblefield, Elizabeth A; Thompson, John A; Felsen, Gidon (2015) Optogenetic cholinergic modulation of the mouse superior colliculus in vivo. J Neurophysiol 114:978-88
Wolf, Andrew B; Lintz, Mario J; Costabile, Jamie D et al. (2015) An integrative role for the superior colliculus in selecting targets for movements. J Neurophysiol 114:2118-31
Al-Juboori, Saif I; Dondzillo, Anna; Stubblefield, Elizabeth A et al. (2013) Light scattering properties vary across different regions of the adult mouse brain. PLoS One 8:e67626
Thompson, John A; Felsen, Gidon (2013) Activity in mouse pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus reflects action and outcome in a decision-making task. J Neurophysiol 110:2817-29
Stubblefield, Elizabeth A; Costabile, Jamie D; Felsen, Gidon (2013) Optogenetic investigation of the role of the superior colliculus in orienting movements. Behav Brain Res 255:55-63