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Locomotor rhythm generation linked to the output of spinal shox2 excitatory interneurons.

Type of publication Peer-reviewed
Publikationsform Original article (peer-reviewed)
Publication date 2013
Author Dougherty Kimberly J, Zagoraiou Laskaro, Satoh Daisuke, Rozani Ismini, Doobar Staceyann, Arber Silvia, Jessell Thomas M, Kiehn Ole,
Project Entwicklung und Funktion von motorischen Netzwerken
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Original article (peer-reviewed)

Journal Neuron
Volume (Issue) 80(4)
Page(s) 920 - 933
Title of proceedings Neuron
DOI 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.08.015

Open Access

URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896627313007496
Type of Open Access Publisher (Gold Open Access)

Abstract

Locomotion is controlled by spinal networks that generate rhythm and coordinate left-right and flexor-extensor patterning. Defined populations of spinal interneurons have been linked to patterning circuits; however, neurons comprising the rhythm-generating kernel have remained elusive. Here, we identify an ipsilaterally projecting excitatory interneuron population, marked by the expression of Shox2 that overlaps partially with V2a interneurons. Optogenetic silencing or blocking synaptic output of Shox2 interneurons (INs) in transgenic mice perturbed rhythm without an effect on pattern generation, whereas ablation of the Shox2 IN subset coinciding with the V2a population was without effect. Most Shox2 INs are rhythmically active during locomotion and analysis of synaptic connectivity showed that Shox2 INs contact other Shox2 INs, commissural neurons, and motor neurons, with preference for flexor motor neurons. Our findings focus attention on a subset of Shox2 INs that appear to participate in the rhythm-generating kernel for spinal locomotion.
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