Abstract The diversity of premotor interneurons in the mammalian spinal cord is generated from a few phylogenetically conserved embryonic classes (V0, V1, V2, V3). Their mechanisms diversification remain unresolved, although these are clearly important to understand motor circuit assembly cord. Some Ia inhibitory (IaINs) and all Renshaw cells (RCs) derive V1 interneurons; however, adult they display distinct functional properties synaptic inputs, for example proprioceptive inputs...

Abstract The release of GABA from local interneurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN-INs) provides inhibitory control during visual processing within thalamus. It is commonly assumed that this important class originates thalamic complex, but we now show early postnatal development Sox14 / Otx2 -expressing precursor cells migrate midbrain to generate dLGN-INs. unexpected extra-diencephalic origin dLGN-INs sets them apart GABAergic neurons reticular nucleus. Using optogenetics...

Abstract The ability to amplify motor neuron (MN) output is essential for generating high intensity actions. This critical breathing that must be rapidly adjusted accommodate changing metabolic demands. While brainstem circuits generate the rhythm, pathways directly augment respiratory MN are not well understood. Here, we mapped first-order inputs phrenic neurons (PMNs), a key population initiates diaphragm contraction drive breathing. We identified predominant spinal input from distinct...

We identify Sox14 as an exclusive marker of inhibitory projection neurons in the lateral and interposed, but not medial, cerebellar nuclei. Sox14+ make up ∼80% Gad1+ these nuclei are indistinguishable by soma size from other neurons. All interposed generated at approximately E10/10.5 extend long-range, predominantly contralateral projections to inferior olive. A small population adjacent vestibular nucleus "Y" sends ipsilateral oculomotor nucleus. Cerebellar glutamatergic assemble...

Transposable elements have been used widely in the past 20 years for gene transfer and insertional mutagenesis Drosophila . Transposon-based technology manipulation genomic analysis currently is being adopted vertebrates. We tested ability of Minos , a DNA transposon from hydei to transpose mouse tissues. Two transgenic lines were crossed, one expressing transposase lymphocytes under control CD2 promoter/locus region another carrying nonautonomous transposon. Only mice containing both...

Spinal motor networks are formed by diverse populations of interneurons that set the strength and rhythmicity behaviors such as locomotion. A small cluster cholinergic interneurons, expressing transcription factor Pitx2, modulates intensity muscle activation via ‘C-bouton’ inputs to motoneurons. However, synaptic mechanisms underlying this neuromodulation remain unclear. Here, we confirm in mice Pitx2+ active during fictive locomotion their chemogenetic inhibition reduces amplitude output....

The intensity of muscle contraction, and therefore movement vigor, needs to be adaptable enable complex motor behaviors. This can achieved by adjusting the properties neurons, which form final common pathway for all output from central nervous system. Here, we identify roles a neuropeptide, cocaine- amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), in control vigor. We reveal distinct but parallel mechanisms CART acetylcholine, both released at C bouton synapses on selectively amplify subtypes...

Abstract The olive fruit fly (olive fly) Bactrocera oleae (Dacus), recently introduced in North America, is the most destructive pest of olives worldwide. lack an efficient gene transfer technology for has hampered molecular analysis, as well development genetic techniques its control. We have developed a Minos ‐based transposon vector carrying self‐activating cassette which overexpresses enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). Efficient transposase‐mediated integration one to multiple...

Abstract Cross-talk between Mirk/Dyrk1B kinase and Sonic hedgehog (Shh)/Gli pathway affects physiology pathology. Here, we reveal a novel role for Dyrk1B in regulating ventral progenitor neuron subtypes the embryonic chick spinal cord (SC) via Shh pathway. Using ovo gain-and-loss-of-function approaches at E2, report that proliferation differentiation of neuronal progenitors E4 impacts on apoptosis specifically motor (MN) domain. Especially, overexpression decreases numbers progenitors, MNs,...

Cholinergic neuromodulation has been described throughout the brain and implicated in various functions including attention, food intake response to stress. modulation is also thought be important for regulating motor systems, as revealed by studies of large cholinergic synapses on spinal neurons, called C boutons, which seem control neuron excitability a task-dependent manner. boutons neurons stem from interneurons that express transcription factor Pitx2. have identified specific cranial...

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disease and clinically defined by degeneration of upper lower neurons, leading to paralysis premature death. 10% ALS patients suffer from familial form research has revealed a number responsible mutations in specific genes loci. Transgenic mouse models carrying human related have been generated for study mechanisms involved pathogenesis putative therapies. Mutations Cu/ Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene, accounting 20%...

Abstract The diversity of premotor interneurons in the mammalian spinal cord is generated from a few phylogenetically conserved embryonic classes (V0, V1, V2, V3). Their mechanisms diversification remain unresolved, although these are clearly important to understand motor circuit assembly cord. Some Ia inhibitory (IaINs) and all Renshaw cells (RCs) derive V1 interneurons; however, adult they display distinct functional properties synaptic inputs, for example proprioceptive inputs...

Abstract The intensity of muscle contraction, and therefore movement vigour, needs to be adaptable enable complex motor behaviors. This can achieved by adjusting the properties neurons, which form final common pathway for all output from central nervous system. Here we identify novel roles a neuropeptide, Cocaine Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART), in control vigour. We reveal distinct, but parallel mechanisms CART acetylcholine, both released at C bouton synapses on selectively amplify...