Neuronal networks within the spinal cord organize and drive rhythmic movements like walking and swimming. These circuits represent the central pattern generator (CPG) that controls both the rhythm and the pattern of the locomotor activity. The organization of these circuits has recently begun to be revealed due to the state-of- art combination of complementary genetic, molecular and physiological methods. The overall goal of this project is to dissect the organization of the spinal CPG with focus on the organization of flexor-extensor alternating and left-right coordinating circuits. All work will be done on identifiable classes of spinal interneurons labeled by genetic markers in transgenic mice and/or classified by anatomic or electrophysiological labeling needed to obtain a unified picture of the CPG organization. We propose to identify the functional connectome and the interactions between these fundamental components of the CPG. The experiments performed will use a combination of electrophysiological, imaging, and molecular biology techniques complemented with advanced computer modeling. The three PIs involved in this project have strong background and experience in spinal cord studies and unique expertise in physiological, genetic and molecular methods (Martyn Goulding and Ole Kiehn) and computational modeling (Ilya Rybak).
The Specific Aims of the project include: investigation of activity patterns and connectivity of the genetically identified spinal interneurons responsible for left-right coordinaton during locomotion (Aim 1), investigation of the genetically identified spinal interneurons and thei connectivity responsible for flexor-extensor alternation and their interactions with the circuits providing left-right coordination (Aim 2), development of a comprehensive computational model of spinal cord circuits (Aim 3). The proposed multidisciplinary approach based on the state-of-art methods and close collaboration between the three leading labs will investigate and analyze the specific contributions of left-right and flexor-extensor coordinating neuronal circuits and their interactions to the generation and control of the locomotor pattern and provide important insights into the neural organization of the mammalian spinal cord, leading to new strategies to treat spinal cord injury and degeneration spinal cord disorders.
Neural networks in the mammalian spinal cord can generate locomotor activity without supra-spinal input that is often disabled after spinal cord injury. This study will provide a comprehensive understanding of how the locomotor network is organized with particular focus on circuits providing flexor-extensor alternation and left- right coordinatio, which together represent the essence of neural control of locomotion. With such enhanced understanding, the new therapeutic tools may be developed to effectively target spinal neurons and circuits, facilitating a recovery of motor function after injury.
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| Hurteau, Marie-France; Thibaudier, Yann; Dambreville, Charline et al. (2018) Intralimb and Interlimb Cutaneous Reflexes during Locomotion in the Intact Cat. J Neurosci 38:4104-4122 |
| Gatto, Graziana; Goulding, Martyn (2018) Locomotion Control: Brainstem Circuits Satisfy the Need for Speed. Curr Biol 28:R256-R259 |
| Ausborn, Jessica; Snyder, Abigail C; Shevtsova, Natalia A et al. (2018) State-dependent rhythmogenesis and frequency control in a half-center locomotor CPG. J Neurophysiol 119:96-117 |
| Ausborn, Jessica; Koizumi, Hidehiko; Barnett, William H et al. (2018) Organization of the core respiratory network: Insights from optogenetic and modeling studies. PLoS Comput Biol 14:e1006148 |
| Wu, Jinjin; Capelli, Paolo; Bouvier, Julien et al. (2017) A V0 core neuronal circuit for inspiration. Nat Commun 8:544 |
| Bellardita, Carmelo; Caggiano, Vittorio; Leiras, Roberto et al. (2017) Spatiotemporal correlation of spinal network dynamics underlying spasms in chronic spinalized mice. Elife 6: |
| Danner, Simon M; Shevtsova, Natalia A; Frigon, Alain et al. (2017) Computational modeling of spinal circuits controlling limb coordination and gaits in quadrupeds. Elife 6: |
| Koch, Stephanie C; Del Barrio, Marta Garcia; Dalet, Antoine et al. (2017) ROR? Spinal Interneurons Gate Sensory Transmission during Locomotion to Secure a Fluid Walking Gait. Neuron 96:1419-1431.e5 |
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