V1 spinal neurons regulate the speed of vertebrate locomotor outputs.

Full Abstract

The neuronal networks that generate vertebrate movements such as walking and swimming are embedded in the spinal cord. 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 animals, 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 Engrailed1. 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.

Author information

Author/s: Gosgnach, Simon (S); Lanuza, Guillermo M (GM); Butt, Simon J B (SJ); Saueressig, Harald (H); Zhang, Ying (Y); Velasquez, Tomoko (T); Riethmacher, Dieter (D); Callaway, Edward M (EM); Kiehn, Ole (O); Goulding, Martyn (M);

Affiliation: Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Nature (Nature), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Mar; vol 440 (issue 7081) : pp 215-9

Dates: Created 2006/03/09; Completed 2006/04/06; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 16525473, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

Comments and Corrections

CommentIn: Nature. 2006 Mar 9;440(7081):158-9. (PMID: 16525455)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Action Potentials
Animals
Eye Proteins - genetics
Gene Deletion
Homeodomain Proteins - genetics; metabolism
Interneurons - physiology
Locomotion - genetics; physiology
Mice

Motor Neurons - physiology
Paired Box Transcription Factors - deficiency; genetics
Receptors, Neuropeptide - metabolism
Repressor Proteins - genetics
Spinal Cord - cytology; physiology
Time Factors
Transgenes - genetics
Walking - physiology

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: En1 protein, mouse (0) ; Eye Proteins (0) ; Homeodomain Proteins (0) ; PAX6 protein (0) ; Paired Box Transcription Factors (0) ; Receptors, Neuropeptide (0) ; Repressor Proteins (0) ; allatostatin receptor, mouse (0)

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