V1 spinal neurons regulate the speed of vertebrate locomotor outputs

Simon Gosgnach, Guillermo M. Lanuza, Simon J B Butt, Harald Saueressig, Ying Zhang, Tomoko Velasquez, Dieter Riethmacher, Edward M. Callaway, Ole Kiehn, Martyn Goulding*

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde
253 Citationer (Scopus)

Abstract

The neuronal networks that generate vertebrate movements such as walking and swimming are embedded in the spinal cord1-3. These networks, which are referred to as central pattern generators (CPGs), are ideal systems for determining how ensembles of neurons generate simple behavioural outputs. In spite of efforts to address the organization of the locomotor CPG in walking animals2,4-6, little is known about the identity and function of the spinal interneuron cell types that contribute to these locomotor networks. Here we use four complementary genetic approaches to directly address the function of mouse V1 neurons, a class of local circuit inhibitory interneurons that selectively express the transcription factor Engrailedl. Our results show that V1 neurons shape motor outputs during locomotion and are required for generating 'fast' motor bursting. These findings outline an important role for inhibition in regulating the frequency of the locomotor CPG rhythm, and also suggest that V1 neurons may have an evolutionarily conserved role in controlling the speed of vertebrate locomotor movements.

OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftNature
Vol/bind440
Udgave nummer7081
Sider (fra-til)215-219
Antal sider5
ISSN0028-0836
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 9 mar. 2006

Fingeraftryk

Dyk ned i forskningsemnerne om 'V1 spinal neurons regulate the speed of vertebrate locomotor outputs'. Sammen danner de et unikt fingeraftryk.

Citationsformater